Extra Four: Best Television Series of the Year

Just then, a staff member approached: "Everyone, it's time for your red carpet walk. You may head to the cars."

The cast and crew of *Prosperous Times* were scheduled for the red carpet at 7:30 PM, serving as the grand finale. By the time they arrived, representatives from various media outlets and high-level corporate management had already gathered, and several other production teams had already completed their walk.

"Click! Click!" The reporters held their cameras high, firing away at those on the carpet. The media knew one thing for certain: this red carpet would define the evening, creating an iconic, legendary scene that would surely go down in history. They sensed that tonight was destined to be extraordinary.

"Everything is ready!" The reporters braced themselves, their camera shutters flashing with increasing intensity. The crowd held their breath.

Finally, a luxurious stretch limousine pulled to a stop. The cast stepped out, moving slowly toward the red carpet under the watchful eyes of reporters and fans.

The host exclaimed, "Let us welcome the cast and crew of *Prosperous Times*!"

Director Lu Jin led the way, followed by a line of handsome men and beautiful women. Lin Xi looked exquisite, her eyebrows arched in a gentle curve. She wore a black strapless velvet gown, carrying herself with a graceful, vintage elegance. This effortless, serene composure was her greatest strength.

Wen Jin offered a different style, dressed in a puff-sleeve dress paired with white leather shoes—playful and adorable. Her fair, glowing complexion was flushed with a soft pink, perfectly highlighting her gentle temperament.

The two women held their skirts as they walked in the middle. Lu Yuxiu remained in his signature dark suit, made of high-quality silk, with a small, bright sun emblem pinned above his left chest. He walked with a tall, upright posture, his lips pressed slightly together. His dark pupils flickered with a faint, deep purple hue, making his gaze appear even more profound and piercing.

It was as if a switch had been flipped.

"Click! Click!" The flashes were relentless, completely engulfing the group. This red carpet was unprecedented, more thrilling than any in the past. It was the first public appearance for "God Xiu" and Lin Xi since their engagement. Furthermore, the event was packed with prominent figures, top-tier domestic stars, and representatives from world-renowned brands and film production houses.

"God Xiu, Lin Xi! Look over here!" "Director Lu, this way!" "Wen Jin, Jiang He, to the left!" The reporters clamored, all vying for the perfect shot. Lin Xi was kept busy, posing for photos with Wen Jin one moment and affectionately linking arms with Lu Yuxiu the next. On Weibo, fans who had waited so long to see them in the same frame were losing their minds with joy.

Once the photo session concluded, they moved into the venue. The organizers had placed their team in the front row. Lin Xi spotted Qi Qi from a distance, but with the ceremony about to begin, she couldn't move about.

As they entered, the group was greeted by a deafening roar. Looking toward the back, they saw fans waving light sticks and cheering with all their might. Lin Xi blinked, dazed, and gave a small wave, which only elicited an even more intense reaction. She quickly pulled her hand back, looking as if she had done something wrong. She was led to her seat by Lu Yuxiu, sitting between him, Wen Jin, and Jiang He.

Lu Jin began chatting with a nearby director as soon as he sat down, paying no mind to the others. Meanwhile, Lu Yuxiu, unable to sit still, kept hold of Lin Xi’s hand. She didn't mind, leaning over to whisper to Wen Jin. Looking around, she saw many A-list stars and veteran artists sitting in dignified silence.

The venue was set, the audience had settled, and the host was in place. As the seconds ticked by, the hall grew quieter. Suddenly, clear, melodic music filled the space. The chatter died down, and everyone turned their attention to the stage, where the giant screens displayed clips from the most popular dramas of the year.

The awards ceremony officially began as the curtains slowly parted. The host stepped out with a light, graceful gait, her smile bright and radiant. "Shining stars, eternal youth, gathered with magnificent power! Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the 31st Television Quality Awards, co-organized by the Radio and Television Administration and four major television associations!"

Applause thundered through the hall.

"This year, the theme of our Quality Awards is 'One Call, A Hundred Responses, Good Things Come in Pairs.' Speaking of which, I can't help but mention our national goddess, Li Jiu!" As soon as the name was mentioned, the audience erupted into cheers.

The atmosphere heated up instantly. Li Jiu’s face appeared on the big screen; she lifted her chin slightly, her graceful neck and stunning beauty captivating everyone.

The host continued, "Earlier this year, Li Jiu won the Best Actress award at the Shining Star Awards, achieving a grand slam! And at the end of the year, her love life is blossoming. I’m not just being curious, but I want to ask on behalf of our fans: Has President Huo succeeded? Can these good things come in pairs?"

The fans in the back screamed until their throats grew raw. Lin Xi, having heard rumors about Li Jiu since returning home, knew her to be a brilliant, free-spirited beauty. It was said that a certain mysterious business tycoon had been chasing her for a long time without success. Lin Xi’s curiosity was piqued, and she watched the screen with wide, sparkling eyes.

Lu Yuxiu looked at her with amusement and leaned down to whisper, "Want to know?"

Lin Xi turned, surprised. "You know?"

"As far as I know, he hasn't succeeded yet," Lu Yuxiu replied, satisfying his treasure's curiosity.

"Oh?" Lin Xi remained skeptical.

On stage, the microphone was handed to Li Jiu. She slowly raised her alluring, peach-blossom eyes and said with a nonchalant smile, "He's still chasing." It was as if she were talking about someone else entirely.

"Ahhhhh!" The audience exploded again, the noise refusing to die down. Lin Xi turned to Lu Yuxiu, eyes wide. It was actually true!

"I've been working with President Huo recently, and he has been asking me for advice," Lu Yuxiu said, dropping the bombshell. The mysterious, formidable business tycoon was asking *him* how to pursue a wife!

Later, the host teased several other actors before turning to Director Lu. "And what about Director Lu Jin? Are good things coming in pairs for you, too? God Xiu and Lin Xi are engaged—when is the wedding?"

Lin Xi looked at Director Lu on the big screen, sweating for him. This host must have been a gossip reporter in a past life!

Lu Jin, however, didn't panic. He calmly replied, "That depends on what my daughter-in-law wants!"

Lin Xi’s face, ears, and neck turned bright red. She wanted to crawl into a hole—Director Lu was causing trouble! Lu Yuxiu let out a rare laugh, gripping her hand even tighter.

"Hahaha, we'll be waiting for the good news!" After teasing Lu Jin, the host didn't make it harder for Lin Xi and returned to the main agenda. "Alright, let us now follow the lead of our excellent directors to explore the true quality dramas! Please look at the big screen!"

The award-giving finally began.

During the ceremony, the air conditioning was too cold, so Lin Xi gave her shawl to Wen Jin. In such a formal setting, Lu Yuxiu couldn't take off his jacket, so he secretly reached underneath the table to rub her legs, keeping her warm.

Qi Qi and Xu Chenglin’s drama, *Legend of the Phantom Moon*, won the Most Popular Drama Award. On stage, Qi Qi jokingly thanked Lin Xi for her guest role as the enchantress, leaving Lin Xi both laughing and crying.

"Now, as the ceremony draws to a close, let us reveal the final grand prize—the Best Drama of the Year! Please watch the VCR!"

Lin Xi was prepared. She squeezed Wen Jin’s hand. The screen showed clips, stills, and behind-the-scenes footage of *Prosperous Times*. Lin Xi was transported back to those days on set. The statistics were staggering: over 200 million views in a single day, ten consecutive days with a popularity score exceeding 30,000, and skyrocketing word-of-mouth and ratings. Success was no accident; it was the result of the actors' hard work and the crew's dedication. As an adaptation of a hit novel, *Prosperous Times* stayed true to its roots, grounding itself in quality to create an unforgettable classic that paved the way for a golden era.

"Let us welcome the entire cast and crew of *Prosperous Times* to the stage to receive their award!" The atmosphere was incredibly solemn. A-list actors, renowned directors, and investors all cast looks of admiration. The audience erupted, their cheers shaking the venue.

Lu Jin walked in front, while Lu Yuxiu held Lin Xi’s hand, and Jiang He helped Wen Jin. As they stepped onto the stage, they were overcome with emotion.

"Congratulations to *Prosperous Times* for being the Best Drama of the Year. Will the presenters please present the trophy?" The host signaled. After Lu Jin accepted the trophy, she asked, "Do the creators have anything they’d like to share?"

Lin Xi’s eyes welled with tears. She was so proud. She had finally proven herself to the audience and brought good news to her fans—the "Little Sunsets." She had lived up to their unconditional support and achieved her goal. Lu Yuxiu kept his eyes on her, gently wiping away her tears.

Lu Jin weighed the trophy in his hands, nodded, and passed it to them. He delivered a heartfelt speech to the crowd: "Directing this drama was a significant experience for me, one that I will never be able to replicate in my career..."

Just as the audience leaned in to hear his wisdom, he changed his tone: "My son starred in my drama for the first time, and I had to watch him and my daughter-in-law flaunt their love on set... you can all imagine how that felt!"

A director once known for his fiery temper had been softened—he had suffered!

"Hahahaha!" The hall erupted in laughter. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, Lin Xi threw herself into Lu Yuxiu’s arms. Under the gaze of the world, they embraced, showing their love to the entire nation.

I traveled through the stars and the moon, finally to meet you at the peak.