Chapter Sixteen (Part One)Twilight deepened.

Ouchen held a crystal wine glass, his gaze fixed on the ceaseless river of traffic outside the window.

Was she filming, or had she already returned home? Steward Chen should have prepared her meal according to the fixed menu. Would she eat more tonight? It seemed she hadn't gained weight over these past weeks, only become much more lethargic than before.

Compared to how she used to be, a shadow passed over his eyes as countless fragmented images flashed through his mind.

Many years ago, beneath the cherry blossom tree, her eyes filled with hatred as she tossed the green lace ribbon into the night sky, telling him she would only forgive him once he was dead—for Xiao Cheng’s kidney transplant surgery. She slowly knelt before him, yet he told her that to get that kidney, she would have to marry him. She had suffered through several days and nights of high fever, collapsing in the hospital bed as she deliriously wept like a child because Xiao Cheng refused the kidney bought with her marriage. After Xiao Cheng passed away, she sat by the window day and night, refusing to eat, drink, or sleep, so pale and thin she seemed like a wisp of smoke about to dissipate at any moment. Ouchen tightly shut his eyes, downing the strong whiskey in one go; the searing heat burned from his throat all the way to his stomach.

He so desperately wanted to stay by her side, to watch her eat, watch her read scripts, watch her sleep. Just seeing her every day—that happiness he would exchange everything for.

However, how much longer must he continue to err? Must it always take her collapse for him to grimly decide to set her free, only to tightly bind her again as soon as she showed signs of recovery, forbidding her to leave until her next breakdown?

It was like a vicious, cyclical curse.

And when could he truly let go? He didn't know if he could ever actually do it.

The night grew deeper.

Ouchen wearily closed the files before him. Only by immersing himself in official duties could he temporarily forget the turmoil in his heart.

He stood up, picking up his coat, and saw that the sky outside was already dotted with stars.

Ten-thirty. By the time he returned home, she should be asleep.

He walked out of the office, slipping on his coat.

“Chairman!” the secretary exclaimed, standing up in a hurry.

Ouchen’s pupils contracted; he stopped dead in his tracks. It wasn't the secretary’s call that stopped him, but the familiar, curled-up figure on the guest sofa where a visitor was being hosted! “Madam arrived shortly after six this afternoon. I wanted to inform you, but Madam insisted I not disturb you, so…” the secretary explained with difficulty.

On the black leather sofa.

Yin Xia Mo was asleep, curled up like an infant. Her breathing was even, and a faint, tranquil smile touched the corners of her lips. Her hands were clasped over her chest, as if lost in a sweet dream.

Ouchen sank to his knees before her, his heart aching. He touched her hand, and the icy coldness startled him violently! “Why wasn’t she covered? Even if you didn't have a blanket handy, you should have gone out immediately to buy one!” To avoid waking her from her slumber, Ouchen suppressed his anger and lowered his voice.

“I…” Now he had time.

She would use all her efforts to make him happy.

“Good, let’s go home now.”

Hearing that she was hungry, Ouchen couldn't bother with anything else. He nervously pulled out his phone, intending to instruct Steward Chen to immediately prepare a new meal so it would be ready when they returned.

Instead, she stood up, pulled him away from the sofa, and said playfully, pouting, “We aren’t eating at home tonight. How about that Yunnan restaurant? I really want the Steamed Pot Chicken there! It’s light yet incredibly savory (Heavens, why am I typing this? I didn't eat lunch!! I’m starving!), it’s been so long since I had it!” That night, he and she had dinner at the Yunnan restaurant.

The red dining table, the golden lanterns, the waiters in ethnic attire silently serving the dishes. There were no other guests around; it was as if the world belonged entirely to the two of them.

The fragrant Steamed Pot Chicken (Retribution! I’m about to collapse from hunger too!) Lemongrass-seared Fish (T_T) Uniquely flavored Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (……). She ate happily, talking and laughing, recounting amusing anecdotes from the filming of The Painted Realm. He listened quietly, gazing at her captivating smile.

By the time they returned home, it was nearly midnight (As I typed this! I glanced at the time on the computer!!! 0:00). Ouchen lifted the drowsy, sleeping her horizontally from the car, carefully carrying her upstairs, gently placing her on the bed, and quietly changing her into pajamas (o_o Yin Xia Mo never bathed before sleeping!!!). He pulled the covers over her body, meticulously tucking them around her neck.

Yin Xia Mo mumbled indistinctly a few times.

Struggling as if wanting to wake up, she grasped his hand, though her eyes never fully opened. In a semi-conscious daze, she whispered, “…Don’t go… I always… wanted to see you…” She held Ouchen’s hand all night.

As soundly asleep as a princess in a fairy tale.

Ouchen sat by her bedside.

The moonlight quietly bathed her face.

The secretary trembled in fear.

Because Simon had come in to take over many of Ouchen’s duties and traveled abroad frequently, she had been temporarily reassigned. She had heard before how much the Young Master doted on his wife, but she hadn't expected this… “Get out!” Ouchen suppressed his rising anger, took off his coat, and carefully draped it over Yin Xia Mo.

His movements were light, yet she still gradually woke up. Because she had been waiting for him, she hadn't been sleeping deeply.

“…You’re done with work!” After staring at him blankly for a few seconds, her eyes suddenly filled with joy. She quickly struggled to sit up on the sofa, smoothing her long hair with her fingers, and said awkwardly, “Ah, I fell asleep, didn’t I? I don’t know what’s wrong, I’ve been so sleepy lately.”

Ouchen wrapped her tighter in his coat. Only when he felt her body gradually warming did he say hoarsely, “Sleeping like that will make you catch a chill. Why didn’t you go home, why did you come here? If you came, why didn't you have the secretary notify me? Why wait so long?” “The Painted Realm wrapped today,” Yin Xia Mo tilted her face up, her smile radiant. “I won’t have to film anymore from now on.”

“You came just to tell me this news?” He was stunned.

“Yes. From now on, I can focus on recuperating the baby at home, and I can visit you often too.”

Her smile flowed gently from her lips to her eyes.

“Xia Mo…” “It feels like it’s been so long, so long since I’ve seen you,” she lightly held his hand, the light flickering in her eyes as beautiful as the stars outside the window. “The baby misses you very much, and I… miss you very much too.”

“Xia Mo…” Ouchen’s heart felt waves of burning warmth mixed with agonizing twists. Did she know how hard it was for him to make a decision when she looked like this? Looking at her smile, he couldn't help but want, once again, to turn into a devil and imprison all her freedom! He struggled to pull his gaze from her smiling face; his throat was hoarse and tight, and he couldn't speak for a long time.

“Ah, I’m starving. Shall we go eat?” Seeing he didn't respond for a long time, Yin Xia Mo kept smiling, though her heart churned with a thousand thoughts.

In fact, she vaguely guessed Ouchen’s thoughts. It was because she had hurt him too much in the past; perhaps more time was needed to mend those wounds.

After that night, Ouchen began spending more and more time at home. Even when he left for meetings or work matters, he made sure to rush back as soon as possible.

The breath of spring grew stronger, and the weather warmer. Yin Xia Mo spent her days watering the flowers and plants in the garden; the fine stream from the watering can refracted the sunlight into a spectrum of colors.

Whenever a flower bloomed, she would happily pull Ouchen to see it, smiling with deep satisfaction.

When Ouchen was home, she spent most of her time by his side, reading newspapers with him, chatting about things from their childhood, or peeling fruit for him.

But he never let her hold the paring knife. No matter how much she insisted, he would always end up peeling and cutting the fruit himself.

One day, Yin Xia Mo was astonished to discover that Ouchen had already prepared the nursery.

“So cute.” Pink floral curtains, pink wallpaper, chiffon bows tied around the crib, with various adorable toys dangling above it, and a soft white wool rug covering the floor. The wardrobe held countless exquisite baby clothes, so rosy and lovely. The bathroom had a pink baby pool, a pink baby tub, all kinds of infant toiletries, and even the diapers were a cute pink.

Yin Xia Mo stared dumbly at the room Ouchen had decorated without her knowledge.

Suddenly, she laughed, glancing at him, and said, “But how are you so certain the baby will be a girl? What if it’s a boy? Will he use pink too?” Ouchen smiled, taking her hand, and led her to the adjacent room.

Yin Xia Mo was stunned again.

The room was decorated almost identically, except this one used entirely powder blue. Powder blue floral curtains, powder blue wallpaper, a powder blue cradle, and the floor was covered with the same soft white wool rug. The wardrobe held countless exquisite infant clothes, but they were all for a baby boy. The bathroom contained a powder blue baby pool, a powder blue baby tub, all the bathing supplies, and even the diapers were powder blue.

“If it’s a boy, he’ll stay in this room. If it’s a girl, she’ll stay in the room we just saw.”

Ouchen said with a smile, gazing tenderly at the cradle in the center of the room as if a newborn baby were already inside. The look of anticipation and yearning in his eyes made Xia Mo instinctively grip his hand tighter.

“The rooms are beautifully decorated; you must have spent a lot of thought on them.”

She murmured her praise softly. These two rooms were on the other side of the second floor, previously spare guest rooms. She didn't know when he had converted them into nurseries.

“As long as you like them.”

Watching her delighted expression, Ouchen’s palm felt slightly warm.

But, he had actually prepared much more.

“I love them very much.”

Yin Xia Mo walked to the wardrobe and gently touched the tiny baby clothes. After a moment’s thought, she turned back and smiled at him, “You’re just too eager. There’s no need to prepare so early. Perhaps in a few days, we’ll know the baby’s gender.”

A few days later, Ouchen’s eyes dimmed, and the warmth in his palm slowly grew cold.

Just one month before the annual grandest event in the country, the Golden Deer Film Festival, The Painted Realm premiered successfully! Thanks to the massive preliminary promotion, Director Wu’s reputation, and the immense drawing power of the returning superstar Luo Xi, The Painted Realm was immensely popular even before release, with some cities experiencing a scarcity of tickets.

Although the popularity of the leading actress, Yin Xia Mo, was slightly lower, her legendary experience of falling in love with Luo Xi only to marry into a wealthy family also piqued public curiosity.

But the true sensation caused by The Painted Realm came only after its official screening.

The story in the film seemed to shift between reality and illusion, tortuous and moving. The cinematography, which perfectly blended the real and the fantastical, the unexpected twists, the heart-wrenching emotions, and the final ending that brought a smile, stunned countless viewers! The exquisite acting of the male and female leads, their complete immersion in the film's narrative, won widespread acclaim! The Painted Realm swept away the awkwardness of empty and undeserving domestic blockbusters, setting box office records in recent years in a short time. Some veteran film critics even suggested that this movie would be the tonic and turning point for the sluggish film market! Consequently, at the upcoming Golden Deer Film Festival, The Painted Realm naturally secured over a dozen nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, riding a wave of momentum that only last year's Grand Affairs of the World, also starring Luo Xi, could rival.

Yin Xia Mo, however, paid no mind to these accolades.

She began to worry about Ouchen.

He usually confined himself to a few areas: the study, the bedroom, and the living room. But one day, after waking from her nap, she saw him walking alone toward a room at the far end of the first-floor corridor, and he didn't come out for a long time.

After hesitating for a while.

She finally walked to the room and knocked. Ouchen came out. Seeing it was her, his expression showed a mixture of surprise and panic.

She glimpsed behind him.

“What is this?” Yin Xia Mo walked in questioningly.

It was a fully decorated children’s room! Everything in the room was prepared for a child at least three years old. On the headboard sat several cute dolls; the small dressing table held various barrettes favored by little girls; the small desk was full of stationery, and an open diary lay on the table, as if Ouchen had just been writing something.

Watching Ouchen calmly put the notebook away, Yin Xia Mo suddenly felt a sense of unease. Recalling the two nurseries upstairs, she paused and asked, “This room is for a girl; did you prepare an equally decorated room for a boy?” Sure enough, across from this children’s room, she found one belonging to a boy.

This room was also fully prepared—stationery, clothes, toys, a computer for children, various books for children, and even a child’s bicycle in the corner.

“Ouchen…” Yin Xia Mo looked at him, astonished and suspicious.

“…Why prepare the children’s rooms so early? Is something the matter?” “No, it just makes me happy to decorate these rooms,” Ouchen said, stroking the little brown bear on the headboard of the child’s bed, smiling. Every single item in these rooms was prepared by his own hands. Thinking of the baby being able to use them in the future filled his heart with overflowing joy and satisfaction.

Gazing fixedly at his smile.

Yin Xia Mo frowned slightly.

Something must be wrong. Why was he in such a hurry to prepare everything the baby would need from infancy up to four or five years old, even before the baby was born? Could it be that… Although his expression was flawlessly composed, the shadow of gloom in his eyes had never completely faded.

Was what she was doing still not enough? Did he still care about her past with Luo Xi…?

One day, Steward Chen brought the invitation card from the Golden Deer Film Festival organizing committee to Yin Xia Mo while she was watering the bamboo in the living room. Looking at the golden invitation card, she paused, then asked Steward Chen, “Has Ouchen gone out?” Steward Chen replied respectfully, “The Young Master has not gone out.”

“Is he in the study or the bedroom?” “…” Steward Chen hesitated for a moment, then said, “He doesn't seem to be in either.”

“Hmm?” Yin Xia Mo was momentarily surprised and said, “Okay, I understand.”

Ouchen wasn't in the study or the bedroom. He wasn't on the balcony. He wasn't in the two nurseries upstairs. She walked down the stairs and found that the door to one of the children's rooms at the end of the first-floor corridor was blown open a crack by the afternoon breeze.

Ouchen sat alone at the child’s desk.

He seemed to be writing a letter.

He wrote slowly, as if the pen were heavy, as if every word required long contemplation. The afternoon sun illuminated his lonely back, casting a faint, yet startling, shadow of despair.

Yin Xia Mo watched him silently.

Across the door, she suddenly felt she knew who the letter was for, and what its contents might be. She clenched her fingers, letting the sharp sting in her palm suppress the agonizing pain twisting in her chest.

After waiting a long time, she finally knocked lightly on the door.

“May I come in?” Yin Xia Mo asked softly. She watched him tuck the letter away into the children’s desk before pushing the door open and stepping inside. Acting as if she had seen nothing, she smiled at him and asked, “Are you free the evening after next?”

“…” Ouchen helped her sit down on the child’s bed. Her abdomen was already slightly swollen, though she still looked serene and beautiful.

Yin Xia Mo shook the golden invitation card in her hand and said cheerfully, “I’ve been nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Deer Film Festival, and the committee has invited me to attend the awards ceremony the evening after next. Will you accompany me?”

Ouchen was silent for a moment, then said, “Will Luo Xi not accompany you?”

“You are my husband; I hope to attend accompanied by you,” she held his hand, smiling shyly. “Of course, I might not win, but if I do, I hope you can be sitting right next to me to witness that moment.”

“…” Ouchen gazed at her. For one moment, he so badly wanted to agree, to be by her side and witness her dazzling moment of triumph.

But since he had already made his decision, any lingering attachment would only bring more sorrow.

“I have something that evening… I can’t make it.”

He looked away from her eyes, his expression grim.

“Can’t it be rescheduled?” She sounded a little disappointed.

“I’m sorry.”

“…It’s okay, I might not win anyway,” she shook his hand, pouting playfully. “If there’s another opportunity like this next time, you have to come with me, okay?”

“…Alright.”

Ouchen agreed hoarsely, a deep pain slowly sweeping through his heart.

As the Golden Deer Film Festival approached, speculation and analysis regarding who would win the various awards increased.

The contest for Best Picture was most likely to unfold between Grand Affairs of the World and The Painted Realm. Grand Affairs of the World boasted grand scenes and an epic narrative; such heavily invested blockbusters were always darlings of the market and frequently swept awards at past festivals. The Painted Realm, as a newly released film, emerged with stunning momentum, stealing the spotlight; its box office performance and critical reception were both exceptionally outstanding, hailed as a rare masterpiece in recent years.

Both films had their supporters, but The Painted Realm seemed to hold a slight edge.

The consensus regarding the Best Actor award was the least controversial. Luo Xi received two nominations simultaneously for his brilliant performances in both Grand Affairs of the World and The Painted Realm—a first in the history of the Golden Deer Film Festival. Both were well-deserved; he had completely shed the constraints of his handsome image, and his underlying acting prowess was astonishing.

The most debated category was Best Actress. Shen Qiang, making her debut in cinema, delivered an outstanding performance in Grand Affairs of the World, while Yin Xia Mo’s portrayal in The Painted Realm was equally sincere and moving, leaving a lasting impression. Both had unique strengths, making it hard to choose.

What interested the media even more was the intricate web connecting both actresses to Luo Xi—one was his rumored girlfriend of many years; although never publicly confirmed by Luo Xi, she still appeared frequently by his side to this day. The other was Luo Xi’s publicly acknowledged former girlfriend; they had dated intimately, only for her to suddenly forsake Luo Xi and marry into a wealthy family. Rumors circulated that Luo Xi had fallen into despair and attempted suicide over this, leading him to sadly decide to retire from acting. It was said that Luo Xi’s participation in The Painted Realm was also due to her influence.

Who was Luo Xi’s true destined love? Who currently held the affections of Luo Xi’s heart? Who would win the crown for Best Actress? And who would walk arm-in-arm with Luo Xi down the awards ceremony’s red carpet? These were all intensely hot topics!

Amidst universal anticipation, the day of the Golden Deer Film Festival awards ceremony finally arrived.

In the afternoon, the red carpeted avenue was packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The crowds shouted various slogans and waved countless glow sticks, their throats already growing hoarse from chanting before the celebrities even began to enter!

Dusk fell.

The lights lining the Avenue of Stars blazed to life, and the roar of cheering fans erupted, a sound like crashing waves turning the scene utterly electric! Numerous security guards stood rigidly at their posts, keeping reporters and fans well beyond the main thoroughfare!

The host for the exterior broadcast stood on the temporary crimson stage, delivering an excited opening monologue. As her vibrant voice filled the air, stars began to emerge from the far end of the red carpet!

Watching familiar celebrities pass by on the screens, fans waved glowing signs bearing their names, screaming their adoration. Each star, dressed in their finest attire, walked with grace, smiling and waving to the assembled fans.

The flashes from the reporters' cameras glittered like a sea of stars, the successive bursts of light turning the Avenue of Stars into a luminous coastline! Yao Shu'er appeared, linked arm-in-arm with Cai Ni.

She wore a soft green gown, a crown woven from pink blossoms and green leaves adorning her head, making her resemble a delicate sprite of spring, radiant and poised. When the fans passionately called her name, her face bloomed into a smile as she offered a slight wave.

The music scene is flooded with new talent, yet she still holds her ground, with a new song nominated at the recently concluded Golden Melody Awards. Starting last year, she gradually branched out into film, taking supporting roles in one or two movies.

Though the parts were minor, her performances already garnered significant recognition. As the stars began to pepper the deepening night sky.

Vivian arrived on the Avenue of Stars, linked to the rising film star Jiang Zhongming. She was, as ever, in a striking scarlet gown, a heavy, layered black agate necklace draped across her chest, emphasizing her characteristic proud defiance.

Despite being plagued by rumors for a time, her undeniable vocal prowess and stubborn perseverance have finally seen her make a resurgence; her latest album sits firmly within the top five on the charts. The celebrities continued to file in.

The reporters grew more agitated, snapping photos and conducting impromptu interviews as they awaited the arrival of Luo Xi, Shen Qiang, and Yin Xia Mo—the most talked-about stars of the moment. Who would Luo Xi choose to walk the Avenue of Stars with?

A long, black Lincoln stretched limousine slowly approached. "At the last Golden Melody Awards, we walked in together, and then you won Best Newcomer.

Tonight, you are absolutely going to win Best Actress." Inside the car, Pan Nan said to Yin Xia Mo with absolute confidence. She held high hopes for Xia Mo's performance in Painting Realm; in Pan Nan's eyes, the Golden Deer for Best Actress this year belonged only to Xia Mo.

"Shen Qiang's performance was outstanding. Although I haven't seen the films of the other three nominees, the external reviews have been excellent too." Yin Xia Mo smiled as she looked at Pan Nan.

Dressed in a white, tailored suit ensemble, a golden ornamental medal pinned to her chest, her long legs encased in tall white boots, she looked handsome and elegant, possessing an androgynous beauty that blurred gender lines. "If anything, you have a better chance of winning the nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

I bought the disc for Black and White Way a few days ago. The character Xiaoyu you played is the complete opposite of your personality, yet you brought her vividly to life." Yin Xia Mo saw an infinitely bright future for Pan Nan.

Pan Nan was grounded; despite debuting as an idol singer, she had relentlessly focused on her vocal technique and song quality, rapidly achieving the status of a small Diva in the music world within just over a year, and now she was securing notable achievements in film debut. "Is that so?

Haha," Pan Nan laughed heartily. "I genuinely want to win an award, but hearing you say that makes me content even if I don't take anything home!" The Lincoln limousine slowly pulled into its destination.

Ahead was the dedicated parking area for celebrities attending the ceremony. Stars would alight here, make final preparations and touch-ups, and then formally enter via the access corridor to the Avenue of Stars.

By regulation, this area was strictly forbidden to fans and reporters. However, as Yin Xia Mo and Pan Nan emerged from the vehicle, they were met with waves of tumultuous noise.

Four or five reporters had encircled a figure dressed in a purple silk evening gown, bombarding her with a barrage of sharp, subtly mocking questions. "Ms.

An, why did the awards organizing committee allow you entry? Did you forget your invitation card?" "There are rumors that you're in dire financial straits, secretly selling off some of your old jewelry and clothes—is that true?" "I heard your private affair with a certain real estate tycoon was discovered by his wife, who publicly slapped you, and the tycoon has broken up with you—is this true?" "Why didn't the organizing committee send you an invitation, yet you still showed up tonight?" "..." Ugly questions flew like cannonballs toward the figure in purple.

Yin Xia Mo and Pan Nan, emerging from the car, exchanged a glance; they knew instantly who it was. Sure enough, the reporters spotted Yin Xia Mo and Pan Nan, crying out in surprise, abandoning the purple figure to swarm towards the newcomers.

The woman turned back; her meticulously applied makeup could not conceal the fatigue and distress—could it be anyone but An Hui Ni! "Miss Yin, weren't you supposed to appear with Luo Xi?

Why are you with Miss Pan Nan?" the reporters asked in astonishment. Yin Xia Mo suddenly noticed Fang Jinhua, whom she hadn't seen in ages, among these reporters.

"Do you really think you will win Best Actress?" "There are rumors that your marriage with the Young Master of Ou Corporation is in crisis—what is the actual situation?" "It's said the Young Master of Ou Corporation has transferred his shares in Leo Company and several other companies entirely to you, and multiple properties have also been put in your name—have you heard?" Fang Jinhua gazed fixedly at Yin Xia Mo, her eyes holding an unreadable emotion, as if she were not merely posing a question as a reporter but trying to convey something specific to her. Yin Xia Mo’s heart tightened.

Recalling Ou Chen's behavior recently, she instinctively gripped the phone inside her handbag. The phone was on silent, but any vibration would alert her.

Summer of Bubbles III