Chapter 27: The Lost Su Chang

Media coverage also comes in layers. First, there was praise for Cheng Sheng, and only then for Su Chang—after all, Su Chang had just won an award.

Next came Zheng Guolin and Fu Dalong, both of whom also had a chance at winning.

At the *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* film set in Hengdian.

The moment Liu Yifei finished filming, she rushed to the radio and asked her mother and manager, Liu Xiaoli.

"Mom, did Changchang win?" Liu Yifei asked urgently.

"You girl, look at how amazing Changchang is. She just won Best Newcomer in Venice, and now she's up for Best Actress," Liu Xiaoli said, rolling her eyes at her frantic daughter.

"Changchang is so amazing. I'll have to rely on her to help me in the future," Liu Yifei said, her eyes filled with admiration.

She and Su Chang met in 2002 while filming *The Story of a Noble Family*. They were both fifteen-year-old girls playing major roles in the series.

As a middle school student, this was Liu Yifei's first time acting. Although her beauty was stunning, she knew nothing about the craft.

Su Chang was different. She had been a child star since she was five, playing small roles in various productions, and had even played "Consort Donggo" in *Empress in the Palace*. Already somewhat famous, Su Chang quickly helped her get used to the film sets.

The others in the crew had a clear "generation gap" with them, so the two girls became inseparable best friends.

Both girls had experienced parental divorce in their childhoods.

Su Chang's mother took her in until she was ten, then unfortunately passed away. Her childhood was spent moving from one film set to another.

Liu Yifei was relatively luckier, having a mother, Ms. Liu Xiaoli, who devoted her entire heart to her and accompanied her throughout every production.

Naturally, through their constant companionship, Liu Xiaoli came to care for and protect Su Chang as if she were her own daughter.

Every time she returned from the United States, she would remember to bring various calcium supplements for Su Chang.

Upon returning from Japan, she carefully selected an expensive diamond necklace and many small gifts for her.

When they were in Kyoto, she would often take the two girls shopping, singing, and eating together.

Having felt a long-lost maternal love, Su Chang had called her "Mama Xiaoli" ever since, treating Liu Yifei as a biological sister with a shared mother.

Now that Su Chang had won an award, Liu Yifei was truly happy for her sister.

"Of course Changchang is amazing. Daughter, you should learn more from her in the future and let her introduce you to Director Cheng Sheng," Liu Xiaoli said.

"Isn't it about learning acting?" Liu Yifei looked at Liu Xiaoli with a puzzled expression.

Liu Xiaoli felt somewhat helpless. If her daughter's emotional intelligence were as high as her beauty, she wouldn't have to worry so much.

...

"The winner for Best Actress is... Imelda Staunton for *Vera Drake*."

*Clap, clap, clap!*

As the presenter finished speaking, applause erupted like a tide.

Su Chang's entire body suddenly relaxed, her eyes filled with disappointment.

Cheng Sheng reached out and patted her shoulder in consolation.

Zeng Li also gave her an encouraging look.

Having missed the award, Su Chang felt lost for a moment. However, when she saw a camera turning toward her, she couldn't help but smile and join in the applause.

As Imelda walked onto the stage and her face appeared on the large vertical screen during her acceptance speech, Su Chang whispered to Cheng Sheng, "Director Cheng, did you know all along that I wouldn't win Best Actress?"

"Film festivals usually distribute the prizes. Since you already won Best Newcomer, the judges won't give you Best Actress to ensure fairness. But don't worry, if not this time, then definitely next time," Cheng Sheng whispered back.

"Then you must find me to play the female lead next time!" Su Chang's eyes lit up.

"I can't guarantee that, but if the role fits, I'll definitely look for you. After all, it's better to use someone familiar than a stranger," Cheng Sheng said.

"Thank you, Director Cheng. Even though I didn't win the award, you have a chance to win the Golden Lion," Su Chang said, her mood improving significantly as she offered her blessings.

At the *Lotus Lantern* film set.

When they heard that Su Chang was not the Best Actress, everyone looked disappointed.

"Cousin must be very sad. If she had taken me to the film festival, I could have comforted her," Song Zu'er said in her milky voice.

"Changchang didn't get it this time, but she definitely will next time," Jiao Enjun said.

Hearing this, Director Chang shook his head secretly. Being able to go to Venice once was already very lucky, let alone being selected for the main competition unit.

There was no guarantee of another chance next time.

He hadn't seen the movie Director Cheng Sheng was filming and didn't know his true strength, but it was impossible for every film to be selected for the main competition.

"Alright, everyone doesn't need to crowd here. If you have work to do, go do it," Li Gongda said to everyone as Su Chang walked over.

"Producer Li, wait a moment. The film festival isn't over yet. We want to see if Director Cheng Sheng can win the Golden Lion," Jiao Enjun said.

"Fine, then keep watching! I'll go to the hotel to book a table. Once you've finished listening, come over on your own," Li Gongda said.

"Thank you, Producer Li!" The crowd cheered.

At the *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* film set.

When Liu Yifei heard that Su Chang hadn't won, she immediately felt it was unfair to her best friend.

"How annoying! It must be those foreigners making things difficult for Changchang. Just because she's young, they won't give her the award. They have no idea how hard she works!" Liu Yifei complained incessantly.

"Little girl, you even know how hard Changchang works! Then why don't I ever see you learning from her? She studies acting, watches others perform, and imitates them as soon as she finishes filming. And you? As soon as you're done, you're either on your phone or eating. Aren't you afraid of getting fat?" Liu Xiaoli said.

"I won't! I only eat just a tiny bit," Liu Yifei said, gesturing with her fingers. Perhaps the gesture was too large, so she pulled her fingers back slightly before smiling contentedly.

Liu Xiaoli was speechless; she found her daughter could be quite silly and naive sometimes.

"I haven't forgotten that mille-feuille you ate last time. You ate a whole pound of it by yourself. I don't know how your little stomach holds it all," Liu Xiaoli reminded her.

Liu Yifei's face flushed red.

The reason she ate so much that time was because she had been filming all day and was both exhausted and hungry.

"Sister Xiaoli, Yifei, you're laughing so happily. What are you chatting about?"

At that moment, Liu Tao, who played Azhu, walked over, carrying a white period costume in one hand. Clearly, the dress was too long, making it difficult to walk.

"What else could we be talking about? I'm just angry at this girl. I told her to practice her acting more, but she's just being lazy. If she had even half of your hard work, I wouldn't be so angry," Liu Xiaoli said.

"Yifei is very talented. She brought Wang Yuyan to life; now everyone in the crew calls her 'Fairy Sister'," Liu Tao said with a smile.

She quite liked the young girl, Liu Yifei, and was also very envious of her.

(End of Chapter)