***
Chapter 71 – Song of the Year
After returning from Linzhou Island, Jiang Liusui went back to He Yujing’s home in Gongshan.
According to He Yujing, his family usually celebrated the New Year elsewhere. Because of He Yujing’s presence, they preferred to avoid disturbances and often went abroad for vacations.
This year, for some reason—perhaps something He Yujing had said to his mother—they decided to stay home for the festivities. Jiang Liusui suspected it might have something to do with him.
The atmosphere in He Yujing’s family was incredibly comfortable. Both his parents treated Jiang Liusui with great care, yet their attitude was so natural that it didn’t feel like he was a guest—more like he was already part of the family. After so many years, Jiang Liusui finally felt he had a sense of “home” again.
On the day before New Year’s Eve, He Linshu returned home with her husband and child.
He Yujing happened to be attending a year-end music awards ceremony, so the siblings had not yet had the chance to see each other.
The annual Xingyun Awards were a gathering of stars. As the largest music awards ceremony in the country, only the most popular artists of the year were invited to attend.
Under the night sky, the stadium glittered with lights, and the red carpet entrance was crowded with media reporters on both sides.
When the cameras shifted to the next male star entering, the noise level at the venue suddenly doubled. Shutters clicked incessantly, and flashbulbs flickered nonstop.
Jiang Liusui watched the live broadcast on TV. When that familiar figure appeared on the screen, he unconsciously straightened up on the sofa.
He Yujing wore a sleek black jacket trimmed with white lines, paired with fitted black trousers adorned with metal rings.
True to his word, he had dyed his hair red. Dark red strands framed his handsome brows and the high bridge of his nose.
He walked the red carpet with an impassive expression, moving forward confidently amid the sea of stars. His powerful aura made him the immediate focus of every camera.
“This kid looks quite handsome today,” He Linshu remarked as she sat down beside the sofa.
As she spoke, her young son, who bore a resemblance to her, ran over and kept glancing curiously in Jiang Liusui’s direction.
It was He Linshu’s first time seeing He Yujing’s new hair color, and she found it rather novel. “He dyed his hair? This color is quite auspicious.”
“……”
Noticing the little boy staring at him, Jiang Liusui smiled at him.
He Yujing had mentioned before that He Linshu’s son was quite the troublemaker, showing signs of becoming a little rascal despite his young age. However, ever since arriving home that morning, the boy would inexplicably shy away and hide behind He Linshu whenever he made eye contact with Jiang Liusui.
“He’s been watching you all day,” He Linshu said to Jiang Liusui before turning to her son with amusement. “Bai Yan, if you want to go over, just go.”
Bai Yan hesitated for a moment before shuffling closer to Jiang Liusui.
Jiang Liusui studied the boy’s face. Even at such a young age, the family resemblance was unmistakable. “He looks a lot like you.”
“Actually, he resembles A’Jing more than me when he was little,” He Linshu said, glancing between the dazzling star on TV and her own little sprout. “They say nephews often take after their uncles—it seems true.”
Jiang Liusui grew curious. “What was He Yujing like as a child?”
“He’s full of cunning ideas, and I’ve taken the blame for him many times,” He Linshu recalled. “Once he secretly touched Dad’s collection of wine. When asked how he got into the wine cellar, he said his sister opened the door for him.”
“Normally, he just calls me ’Hey,’ ’Jie,’ or ’He Linshu.’ But that day, he suddenly kept calling me ’Jiejie’ and frantically winked at me. My heart softened, and I ended up getting scolded in his place.” He Linshu gave a strained smile. “Just thinking about it makes me want to hit him.”
Jiang Liusui burst out laughing. “He really deserves a beating.”
He Linshu added, “So in the future, never go soft on him. He’s an expert at taking advantage of kindness.”
Jiang Liusui nodded while laughing. At this moment, Bai Yan tentatively called out in a small voice, “Gege?”
Looking at the little face that bore some resemblance to He Yujing, Jiang Liusui asked gently, “Do you want to sit next to me?”
The little boy’s eyes lit up, and he nodded.
Jiang Liusui picked him up and settled him beside himself. He Linshu remarked in surprise, “He’s never been this well-behaved when sitting next to me.”
The television screen switched to the main stage, where the opening female singer, dressed in an elaborate costume, slowly descended from a suspended platform.
He Yujing’s mother walked over. Not seeing He Yujing immediately, she asked the two young people nearby, “Has A’Jing appeared on camera yet?”
He Linshu skillfully opened her phone and pulled up the evening’s schedule. “Not yet. His performance is last. But he has several nominations tonight—the first one is for Best Music Video, starting around nine o’ clock.”
“Then let’s eat first, and come back together to watch him later,” He Yuning’s mother said cheerfully. Jiang Liusui stood up, and the little boy beside him did the same.
Even at a young age, the child’s genes showed promise—his legs were long as he hopped straight off the sofa and naturally grabbed Jiang Liusui’s hand.
“Bai Xiao Yan, do you like this gege a lot?” He Linshu teased him on purpose. “Then you can go home with them after New Year’s. Let me remind you, this gege belongs to your uncle.”
“Uncle?”
Bai Yan instinctively looked at the TV.
As luck would have it, the screen cut to He Yujing in the front row. Noticing the camera on him, He Yujing smiled calmly.
Staring at the only adult at home who wouldn’t indulge him, Bai Yan frowned and reluctantly conceded, “Then… I’ll put up with him.”
Everyone laughed, and He Linshu immediately decided, “Alright, you’ll stick with Xiao Jiang.”
That said, He Linshu couldn’t really let Jiang Liusui take care of the child. She sat down next to Bai Yan and Jiang Liusui, with her husband Bai Qi beside her and He Yujing’s father next to him.
He Yujing’s mother had specifically asked the kitchen to prepare extra sweet dishes. She also pulled Jiang Liusui aside and said, “I’m giving the household staff a day off tomorrow. On New Year’s Eve, it’ll just be me and Linshu cooking. Auntie will make you sweet and sour pork with pineapple.”
Jiang Liusui nodded, then couldn’t help asking, “Won’t that be too much trouble? Let me help you tomorrow.”
“What trouble?” she laughed. “You should enjoy your time with A’Jing tomorrow. It’s rare for you both to have a break.”
⟪Fantasy Holiday⟫ became a massive hit, the live stream addressing controversies, and the Viola endorsement incident undoubtedly made Jiang Liusui one of the most talked-about artists this year. A flood of offers had already reached Wang Cen early on, and after the New Year, previously postponed work would be scheduled one after another.
He Yujing, on the other hand, took on the music production for Chi Lianxi’s new film while also preparing for his new album. Once the year-end awards ceremonies concluded, he would fully immerse himself in creative work. Both were busy with their respective endeavors.
Just as Jiang Liusui was about to say something, He Yujing’s mother deliberately cut him off, picking a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs for him: “Eat more, our housekeeper makes this especially delicious.”
“Later for dessert, there will be rose custard tarts. I noticed you liked them last time.” Remembering that artists must watch their figures, she added, “Having a little won’t hurt, right?”
“It’s fine,” Jiang Liusui played along. “I’ll sneak a bite during the New Year.”
He Yujing’s mother chuckled and continued serving him more dishes.
After dinner, the family gathered in front of the TV to watch the awards ceremony.
He Yujing’s father and Bai Qi played chess a short distance away, occasionally glancing up at the screen.
Jiang Liusui unlocked his phone and saw a message sent over ten minutes ago in the ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ group chat.
The group chat included staff from the director’s team as well as a few of the lead actors, but usually no one said much. Jiang Liusui, curious, tapped to open it.
Qin Yi: I heard Director Pei spent the New Year in the editing room?
After a while, Pei Wen replied: Yes. Happy New Year.
Qin Yi: Thank you for your hard work, Happy New Year!
Shang Qingzhi: Thank you! Wishing you a Happy New Year!
After reading through the chat history, Jiang Liusui learned that to expedite post-production, Director Pei Wen had been working overtime with the editors, not even taking a break for the New Year.
Sui: Happy New Year! You and the crew have worked hard!
After sending the message, he looked up at the television.
The next award was for Best Music Video. When the presenter announced the winner, the screen cut to the MV scene—a dazzling flower field under a sunshower where the painter and his muse first met—
He Yujing, ⟪Fading Colors⟫
As the MV reached the scene where He Yujing and Jiang Liusui kissed, He Linshu covered Bai Yan’s eyes: “Not suitable for children!”
Bai Yan protested: “It’s just Uncle and Gege! How is it not suitable?!”
With elders present, Jiang Liusui’s ears turned red. He Yujing’s mother, however, showed no embarrassment and smiled broadly: “When will you two film another one? Something sweet and romantic—it’d be so delightful to watch later!”
Not only was the household lively, but the awards ceremony venue also erupted in excitement.
Since publicly confirming their relationship, Jiang Liusui and He Yujing had never appeared together in public. Today, this was a rare moment of being seen together. Watching the MV clip on the big screen, He Yujing couldn’t help but smile.
The award presenter, a Hong Kong singer familiar with He Yujing, took the opportunity to call out from the stage: “EVIN, be honest—did you have ulterior motives while filming this?”
The venue was filled with a joyous atmosphere, which didn’t settle until He Yujing went on stage to receive his award and the next performance began, finally quieting the commotion.
The awards ceremony was expected to last until the early hours of the morning. Midway through, He Linshu coaxed Bai Yan into going upstairs to sleep. Children shouldn’t stay up too late, and even though Bai Yan whined and fussed, wanting to play a little longer, He Linshu firmly put her foot down.
One performance after another passed, and finally the night’s biggest award arrived.
“Album of the Year—” The actress presenting the award glanced at the envelope and announced clearly, “He Yujing, ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫!”
The venue erupted in thunderous applause. At the same time, major social media platforms were buzzing with discussions about the night’s ceremony:
【Yu-ge is absolutely killing it tonight!! Two years without an album, and as soon as he drops one, everyone else steps aside. Where are all those people who mocked him for being washed up? And those who said ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫ only had sales but no industry recognition—does your face hurt now??】
【Album of the Year, Best Pop Collaboration with Su Wan, and Best Music Video—he’s already bagged three tonight! And he’s got the biggest one, Album of the Year. Let’s see if he can snag Song of the Year later too!】
【I think it’s possible. He Yujing’s momentum is just too strong.】
【Wahhh, my bias had a pretty good year, but with Yu-ge releasing an album, I was hoping we might sneak away with a music video award. We got completely crushed.】
【He’s so damn handsome tonight! Is He Yujing going to sweep both major awards??】
Jiang Liusui’s palms were sweating as He Yujing took the stage to deliver his acceptance speech. He Linshu noticed he hadn’t looked away since the nominations were announced. “Were you nervous just now?”
Jiang Liusui nodded. When the camera panned to He Yujing’s face, capturing his bright, smiling eyes and radiant expression, Jiang Liusui felt dizzy and blurted out his honest thoughts, “He’s just so handsome! It wouldn’t be right if he didn’t win, right??”
Both He Yujing’s mother and He Linshu burst out laughing at his words. He Linshu chuckled heartily, “I should’ve recorded that. If he saw it, his tail will definitely be wagging!”
He Yujing’s mother turned and said, “Did you see that? A’Jing won the biggest award!”
“I saw,” He Yujing’s father replied calmly, his eyes fixed on the TV. “He deserved it.”
Although his tone was even, a hint of pride shone in his eyes.
He Yujing’s performance was scheduled last. When he took the stage as the finale to perform ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫, the atmosphere in the venue reached a fever pitch. Even after the stage lights dimmed and the performance ended, the crowd continued to scream his name wildly.
When the lights brightened once more, Chi Lianxi, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped out as the award presenter. The audience erupted in waves of cheers.
“The final major award of the night—Song of the Year.” Chi Lianxi held the envelope and gestured toward the large screen behind him. “The nominees are—”
Su Wan, ⟪Halfway⟫
VHEME, ⟪Prime Time⟫
He Yujing, ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫
He Yujing, ⟪Love Reservation⟫
The Song of the Year was the second most prestigious award after Album of the Year. This year, ten songs had been nominated, sparking heated discussions when the list was first announced.
He Yujing received two nominations this year, with netizens joking that he was competing against himself. Fans who understood the situation better analyzed: ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫, as the lead single, was originally the song most likely to win him an award. ⟪Love Reservation⟫ was an unexpected creation—after its digital release, it dominated the charts, but ultimately, it was just a single without even an MV. In comparison, ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫ still seemed more likely to take home the prize.
However, this year there were so many good songs that several of the nominated artists were strong competitors. Having two nominations might actually divert attention, which wasn’t necessarily a good thing. In the end, it all depended on how the judges evaluated the entries.
The large screen displayed the nine nominated singers. He Yujing, having just finished his performance, paused backstage.
Even though he had experienced countless similar moments since his debut, it had been two years since he last attended an awards ceremony. Every time he took the stage tonight, he appeared calm and composed on the surface, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous.
He Yujing watched the stage intently. The surrounding noise was overwhelming, and those few minutes felt endlessly drawn out.
“Song of the Year—” Chi Lianxi glanced at the envelope and announced with a smile, “Congratulations to ⟪Love Reservation⟫.”
After the words fell, the venue briefly fell silent, then applause and screams erupted in waves.
Although many fans firmly believed He Yujing would win, most had higher expectations for ⟪Advent of Dawn⟫. This dramatic twist thrilled the audience.
He Yujing was the only one left on the large screen.
Hearing his name, he seemed to freeze for a moment, a smile flickering in his slightly upturned eyes before he strode confidently toward the stage.
Amid the enthusiastic uproar, He Yujing stepped onto the stage. Chi Lianxi smiled and handed him the trophy: “Congratulations, well-deserved.”
Chi Lianxi made a move to give him an enthusiastic hug, but He Yujing raised an eyebrow and took a step back, making the audience burst into laughter.
In the end, the two patted each other on the shoulder, and Chi Lianxi left the stage. He Yujing stood at the microphone, trophy in hand, his gaze sweeping across the audience before settling ahead.
He seemed to hesitate briefly, then spoke candidly, “Honestly, I’m a bit surprised myself. I never thought this song would win this award.”
“Thank you to all the staff who have helped me, thank you to the organizers, and thank you to my fans who have supported me and accompanied me to this point.”
He Yujing paused briefly amid the cheers. “Finally, I want to give a special thanks to one person—the one who inspired me to write this song. But if I’m being honest, when I wrote it, I was in a rather low place.”
“If I hadn’t changed, even winning this award wouldn’t have made me happy.”
Some in the audience had already guessed who he was referring to, and murmurs rose and fell. As if in response to his words, the venue filled with the gentle, lingering melody of the song:
~ To hold the flower that won’t love me too,
I lay my shining, hollow words for you. ~
“—Thank you, my flower, for being willing to love me,” He Yujing said, smiling into the camera as he concluded.
~ When I lose myself and fall apart,
What scares me most is us being strangers at heart. ~
Then, let me make a love reservation with you,
To hold you close before the world breaks through.
Let tangled hearts be all we ever knew,
When the world falls down and splits in two,
Only in the wreckage do we come true. ~
— — — —
