Chapter 211: The Red Carpet
The promotional photo shoot for The Wandering Swordsman went smoothly. However, all drama production teams originally scheduled to release their promotional photos unanimously chose to postpone due to the imminent Lingxiao Awards Gala.
They were well aware they couldn't compete with the event's overwhelming popularity and chose to hold off, letting the gala's spotlight fade before unveiling their photos.
On the afternoon of the Lingxiao Awards Gala, Yin Chengjue boarded Huansheng Entertainment's dedicated car. Other attending artists also rode in Huansheng's cars, forming a grand motorcade that set off majestically.
Though some of the artists were no strangers to the annual gala—Shang Liu had always led the group in past years—this time felt different. With Yin Chengjue now at the helm and the momentum from recent trending searches, it truly felt like a royal procession.
Outside the gala venue, the red carpet was rolled out and ready. Entertainment journalists from every major outlet had already claimed their shooting positions, their fingers clicking camera shutters so rapidly they turned into a blur. If their equipment had allowed, they surely would have pressed even faster and more eagerly.
Apart from Huansheng, artists from other entertainment companies arrived in succession. Actresses wore the latest season's evening gowns accentuating their figures, while actors donned sleek, handsome suits.
In such settings, two methods typically capture attention fastest: exceptional looks that command attention or uniquely distinctive styles.
The former, like top-tier celebrities, naturally generate high buzz; whatever they wear becomes the media's focal point. The pinnacle of this category was Donghuang Qingyan.
The latter involves creating memorable moments on the red carpet—through unusual attire or various, often dramatic, ways of stumbling.
As Yin Chengjue exited his car, the door of the vehicle ahead also swung open. A man emerged wearing a striking white suit, its left shoulder decorated with a plume of golden feathers. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with intricate golden phoenix motifs, and a vibrant red gemstone gleamed from his bow tie.
Such a bold outfit would easily overwhelm an ordinary appearance, but on Donghuang Qingyan, it was nothing short of breathtaking.
His appearance first hushed the crowd, then erupted into even more frenzied cheers.
Donghuang Qingyan smiled and nodded at the cameras before turning and extending a hand in invitation.
Soon, a fair hand rested upon his gloved one.
As if realizing something, the screaming fans grew even more excited.
The owner of that hand emerged from the car, also wearing a matching white suit, but embroidered with a fierce, clawing fox.
Yin Chengjue glanced at them before turning away. The following cars opened their doors, and Huansheng's artists emerged one after another, greeted by enthusiastic cheers.
Yet… no one dared to walk the red carpet immediately behind Donghuang Qingyan and his partner.
It was understandable: the couple's popularity was astronomical. Once they appeared, media cameras would fixate on them relentlessly. Anyone walking before or after would receive significantly reduced coverage; even if accidentally caught in the same frame, they'd be relegated to mere backdrop.
In this world, who wanted to be someone else's foil?
Yin Chengjue noted his artists' worried expressions, understanding their reluctance to go first. He inwardly shook his head.
How can anyone get by in this industry without a shred of confidence?
What’s so bad about becoming a backdrop in a shot? Even a supporting role is still in the frame. And really—wouldn’t being seen next to someone famous draw more eyes than standing alone?
Yin Chengjue's gaze swept over the artists' faces. They subtly lowered their heads—all except Rong Yu, whose eyes were fixed on him.
A slight smile touched Yin Chengjue's lips as he extended a hand toward Rong Yu.
Without hesitation, Rong Yu placed his hand in Yin Chengjue's. The two followed directly behind the Donghuang couple onto the red carpet.
The scene momentarily silenced the crowd before erupting into even louder, clearly delighted cheers. Camera flashes intensified, focusing on them.
Huansheng's other artists: "..."
Yin Chengjue wore a deep blue tailcoat over a black turtleneck, with silver-white subtle patterns on the collar and cuffs. Rong Yu was dressed in a silver-white suit with deep blue floral patterns on the collar and cuffs. Separately, their outfits weren't striking, but together, they gave off a matching set vibe—enough to drive fans wild.
Of course, the main point was that Yin Chengjue, who should have entered via the VIP channel, was now walking the red carpet. Among the stars, he didn't seem out of place at all.
Some Huansheng artists' fans reacted instantly: "President Yin really brought his harem onto the red carpet!"
"Bold! What President Yin? He should be called 'Your Majesty' now!"
"Awoooo! Donghuang in front, Yin Huang behind! My camera must be blessed today!"
[东皇 (Dōng Huáng): Eastern Emperor; 殷皇 (Yīn Huáng): Emperor Yin]
"Front-row media, step up your game! You've got the best views! You must capture that group photo! I've noted your names! If you don't get good shots, you'd better start drafting your apologies!"
Front-row media reporters: "..."
The pressure just skyrocketed!
With Yin Chengjue leading, Huansheng's other artists dared not hesitate further. Quickly pairing up, male and female, they stepped onto the red carpet, inwardly grateful for Yin Chengjue's consideration—he shielded them from most of Donghuang Qingyan's spotlight, preventing them from becoming mere backdrops…
Wait! Walking behind President Yin also make us backdrops, damn it!
Having mustered their confidence, Huansheng's artists looked up only to see Yin Chengjue's profile. A herd of mythical beasts seemed to stampede through their hearts, accompanied by waves of despair.
Of course they had forgotten. Even on ordinary days, Yin Chengjue's looks were quietly appreciated. But today, for the sake of decorum, makeup artists had refined his features, and stylists had carefully swept his hair back, revealing a broad forehead and emphasizing his straight, prominent nose—fully framing his handsome, sharp profile. Compared to Donghuang Qingyan walking ahead, he was in no way overshadowed.
Donghuang Qingyan, with his flowing silver hair, appeared enchantingly demonic. Yin Chengjue, with his neatly styled black hair, exuded steady composure.
If they hadn't followed him on Weibo, no one would have guessed that Yin Chengjue was the president of Huansheng Entertainment, and not a popular star.
Originally, they only had Donghuang Qingyan as a human spotlight. Now, with Yin Chengjue added, the spotlight doubled.
Thus, Huansheng's artists cast sympathetic glances toward Rong Yu, closest to these two spotlights.
How utterly tragic! To be standing between two such dazzling spotlights—even if he's in the shot, he'll surely be overlooked. Just look: the poor kid seems to have accepted his fate, ignoring the cameras along the red carpet and instead gazing intently at President Yin right beside him.
Just as the artists trailing behind kept their smiles perfectly in place while inwardly groaning, they saw Rong Yu, ahead, raise a hand to wipe the corner of his mouth, his lips pursing in a swallowing motion, his Adam's apple bobbing noticeably. Then he resumed staring intently at Yin Chengjue beside him.
Huansheng's artists: "..." Damn! Is this rookie actually drooling while staring dazedly? We're on the red carpet! If you don't care about your image, don't embarrass Huansheng!
Media reporters who accidentally captured this: "..."
Fans who also caught the moment: "..."
"Xiao Yu! Your mom is begging you! Look at the cameras!" Mother fans, unable to capture Rong Yu's face, finally cried out upon seeing this.
Rong Yu seemed to snap back to reality, looking innocently toward the voice. "I am looking."
Their anxiety-ridden fans were speechless. "..." So, is the president of Huansheng named Yin Chengjue, with the courtesy name Camera Lens?
Yin Chengjue was, of course, aware Rong Yu had been staring at him dazedly. But he was enjoying it too much to interrupt. Hearing the fans' pleas, he leaned down slightly, whispering near Rong Yu's ear, "Walking the red carpet requires pausing briefly for photos—front, side, full body, profile. Try to acknowledge cameras on both sides. Didn't Sally brief you on this?"
Rong Yu finally recalled Sally's numerous reminders before getting out of the car, scratching his nose sheepishly. "Ah, it's because you look too good today."
"And," Rong Yu glanced at Donghuang Qingyan striding ahead, "they aren't stopping for photos either."
Yin Chengjue: "Even without stopping, people chase to photograph them. But you're a newcomer; you need to be more proactive."
Actually, Yin Chengjue wanted Rong Yu to have more solo shots, hence his quickened pace to step out of Rong Yu's frame. Unexpectedly, Rong Yu had kept pace with him.
Yin Chengjue wasn't an artist himself and didn't need promotional photos.
"Forget it. This is your first red carpet anyway. Lingering too long might invite criticism. Let's just walk through and head to our seats," Yin Chengjue said.
"Okay!" Unconcerned about such matters, Rong Yu followed Yin Chengjue directly off the red carpet and into the venue.
Huansheng's artists following behind paused briefly for photos, only to turn and find Yin Chengjue and Rong Yu, with their long legs, had already entered. They were speechless.
President Yin isn't an artist; he doesn't need to linger on the red carpet. But Rong Yu is! Yet he also walked so fast—is he really that clueless?
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