One Pet Gets Married - Chapter 85

After several months, the fog obscuring Chang Ye’s path to stardom finally began to clear, and everything was developing in a positive direction. She even won an award at the year-end gala.

Perhaps because word had spread about how Zhou Yi had stood up for her when she was bullied last time, no one dared to mistreat her anymore. Undeniably, filming days had become much more pleasant. At the same time, Chang Ye had to admit that money and power truly were a powerful buff.

On New Year’s Eve at noon, Chang Ye and Zhou Yi went to the hospital to visit her mother and had a meal with her.

This time, her mother’s mental state seemed quite good, not as terrible as before, relatively normal. However, probably due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications, she still appeared somewhat puffy.

While eating in the cafeteria, Chang’s mother would take a few sips of soup and then stare fixedly at Zhou Yi for a while, repeating this pattern. It was as if she were scrutinizing a heinous criminal.

Zhou Yi looked at her, eating silently for a while before finally asking, “Auntie, do you have something to say to me?”

Eventually, Chang’s mother spoke: “Don’t hurt my daughter.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yi’s hand holding the chopsticks instantly froze.

“Mom, she…” Chang Ye looked at Zhou Yi, then at her mother, wanting to smooth things over.

“Auntie, I won’t hurt her in the future,” Zhou Yi looked at her earnestly, “I swear.”

“You’re lying. That day when Little Ye came back, she cried so bitterly, all night long,” Chang’s mother continued.

Hearing this, Zhou Yi lowered her head to look at the food on her plate and closed her eyes.

“Mom, that’s all in the past. She hasn’t made me angry at all now,” Chang Ye smiled, holding her mother’s wrist.

“Really?” Chang’s mother seemed unconvinced.

“It’s true,” Chang Ye nodded, “She’s been quite good to me these past few months.”

So, Chang’s mother didn’t say anything more and just continued eating.

After leaving the cafeteria, on the way, Zhou Yi looked at her and after thinking for a moment, asked, “At that time, you must have wished to never see me again for the rest of your life, right?”

Hearing this, Chang Ye stared fixedly at the ground for a moment, then smiled: “Yes. But after just a few days, I wanted to see you again so badly. How could so many years of feelings be cut off just like that? We’re not robots that can switch off everything with the flip of a switch.”

“Then these past few months… how do you think I’ve been doing?” Zhou Yi asked.

Chang Ye looked at her, let out a breath, and then looked away: “Not… not bad.”

Taking care of her every day, worried about her eating poorly or not sleeping well, and obeying her every word… There really wasn’t anything to find fault with.

“Then, do you think I now have…” Just as Zhou Yi was about to ask if she had earned the right to be her official girlfriend, Chang Ye’s phone suddenly rang.

It was a friend calling, so Chang Ye answered it.

Seeing her chatting and laughing on the phone, Zhou Yi had to swallow the words she wanted to say.

However, when a gust of cold wind blew by, causing Chang Ye to shiver uncontrollably, Zhou Yi stood in front of her, took out a pair of earphones from her pocket, tapped Chang Ye’s shoulder, and gestured for her to use them to talk on the phone.

Chang Ye was slightly startled, then nodded.

Watching Chang Ye plug in the earphones and put them in her ears, Zhou Yi lowered her head, took Chang Ye’s hands in hers, raised them to her mouth, and breathed on them, gently rubbing them.

Chang Ye listened to her friend’s voice on the phone while quietly watching Zhou Yi standing in front of her. For a moment, she was dazed, forgetting what to say until her friend said “Hello” several times before she reacted.

“It’s cold out here, let’s get in the car,” Zhou Yi said, putting her arm around Chang Ye’s shoulders.

Once embraced, her body suddenly felt much warmer. Chang Ye turned her head to look up at Zhou Yi, nodded slightly, and followed her back to her residence.

Zhou Yi didn’t go back home for the New Year again this year, but unlike before, when she would simply tell her family she was busy and couldn’t return, this time she directly said she was staying to accompany Chang Ye.

Her father said okay, while her mother just threw out a “Do as you please, fend for yourself.”

Since it was just the two of them, the New Year’s Eve dinner was planned to be relatively simple. Blanched choy sum, steamed sea bass, braised pork trotters, and coconut chicken.

They started preparing around 5 PM, and by 5:30, the kitchen was already filled with the aroma of food. Zhou Yi helped out while watching Chang Ye busy at the stove wearing an apron, a slight smile appearing on her lips. Finally, it felt like a home here.

“Have you been spending New Year’s alone these past two years?” Zhou Yi asked when Chang Ye finished stirring the soup and put the lid back on.

“Mm,” Chang Ye ladled out a small bowl of soup and set it aside, resting her hands on the counter and staring at the wall, “The first time, I wasn’t used to it. It felt a bit lonely, and I was being chased for debts. I didn’t have much money, so I didn’t dare to make anything good to eat. At that time, I really felt life was meaningless.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yi stood up, put the garlic cloves she was holding on the cutting board, turned her head to look at Chang Ye, and slowly placed her hand over Chang Ye’s.

“You’ve been through a lot…” Zhou Yi said.

Chang Ye was startled, turned her head to look at her, and quickly shook her head: “Actually, it was fine once I got used to it.”

“In the future, I want to spend every New Year with you,” Zhou Yi said seriously.

Hearing this, Chang Ye pressed her lips together and lowered her head, then let out a breath, her eyes misting over. She turned to look at Zhou Yi again and smiled: “We need more green onions, go peel some more quickly.”

Zhou Yi nodded, releasing her hand, and went to the refrigerator to get more green onions, squatting down to peel them.

Around 6 PM, the meal was finally ready. The two sat down to eat together.

After finishing the meal and cleaning up the kitchen, they each took a shower and washed their hair, then sat together on the sofa. They took out a bottle of red wine they hadn’t finished earlier and turned on the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala. No matter what, they had to maintain some semblance of tradition.

Although they seemed to be watching TV, they were actually chatting. Their conversation flowed from movies to film history, then to novels, philosophy, society, technology, and more…

The two kept bringing up one topic after another, each able to keep up with the other, just like when they were in school.

Resting her head on her hand on the sofa, Zhou Yi looked at Chang Ye’s gentle face, occasionally nodding, responding, or expanding on a topic.

“I’ve been thinking, if there were parallel universes, if there were another you and me over there, I wonder what it would be like now…” At this point, Chang Ye smiled.

“I don’t know what it’s like over there,” Zhou Yi tilted her head slightly to look at her, then held her hand, “I only know that here, now, I want to keep walking this path with you.”

Chang Ye turned her head to look at her, seeing her eyes deep and heavy, full of anticipation and longing.

“May I?” Zhou Yi slowly moved closer to her.

Chang Ye gazed into her eyes, raising her hand to caress her face: “You may…”

So, Zhou Yi tilted her head slightly and kissed her lips, her tongue gently parting Chang Ye’s teeth and sliding in, carefully exploring.

As their breathing grew heavier and their chests heaved, Chang Ye wrapped her arms around Zhou Yi’s back, caressing her. Then, Zhou Yi’s kisses trailed downward, kissing her fair neck. Their breaths intertwined, their body heat melding together. Chang Ye fell back onto the sofa, tilting her head back slightly, tightly grasping Zhou Yi’s clothes.

The gala continued on the television, but it’s lively sounds couldn’t cover the intimate atmosphere permeating the room, nor the soft moans…

After the New Year, Tang You’an and Song Xici returned to their own homes for a brief period, enjoying their time together during their limited free time.

Although the year had just begun, Tang You’an’s work email was already about to explode with offers, nearly drowning her in olive branches.

In just over a year, she had gone from being universally disliked to winning everyone’s affection. She had accomplished it.

This year, she had already confirmed one movie, one variety show, and one TV drama. Additionally, there were two endorsement deals.

Walking with Song Xici on the empty streets during the Spring Festival, Tang You’an looked up to see herself on the LED screen of a skyscraper, showcasing a watch. She let out a soft sigh and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Look, look, isn’t your wife beautiful?” Tang You’an glanced at the screen, then turned to Song Xici with a smile.

“Ugly as sin,” Song Xici glanced at her and continued walking while playing with her phone.

Tang You’an was taken aback and followed her: “Are you serious?”

“Yes!” Song Xici replied.

Hearing this, Tang You’an was at a loss for words, finally scratching the back of her head: “Alright… I guess I’ll go get plastic surgery then.”

Song Xici heard this, adjusted her hat and mask, then turned to look at her as if she were looking at an idiot.

As they were about to continue walking, they overheard two passing girls discussing the advertisement.

Girl A: “Why did they choose Tang You’an to endorse this watch? So annoying. I love this watch, but why did they pick a celebrity I hate to endorse it? It’s ridiculous, I don’t even want to buy it anymore…”

Girl B: “Can’t be helped, she’s popular.”

Girl A: “Just another whitewashed celebrity. I don’t know if people are blind or stupid, following the crowd and forgetting what a terrible person she used to be.”

Girl B: “I know, right? And she’s not even that pretty. She looks masculine, yet people keep praising her beauty. It’s absurd…”

“Masculine…” Tang You’an couldn’t help but touch her face. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard people say this about her, and honestly, she found it quite offensive.

Song Xici, like a small volcano about to erupt, wanted to lash out but held back.

Finally, after the two girls had walked away, Song Xici quickly put away her phone, pulled Tang You’an close, and looked her up and down with a frown: “Can they even speak properly? Do they have any aesthetic sense?! You’re handsome, understand? Handsome! And who says girls have to look soft and harmless? What’s wrong with a girl looking a bit masculine or a boy looking a bit feminine? They keep yapping on without even looking at themselves!”

“Masculine features… seriously,” Song Xici continued as they walked, “You’re so beautiful, those people must be blind!”

Tang You’an followed behind her, unable to suppress a smile, her steps light as if she were walking on air.

“My wife always loves me best,” Tang You’an took a breath of fresh air, “I won’t get plastic surgery after all!”

Hearing this, Song Xici stopped and looked at her, rolling her eyes and shaking her head: “An idiot is always an idiot.”

“Fools have fool’s luck, right?” Tang You’an smiled, her eyes crinkling.

“I can’t stand you. Let’s go!” Song Xici stopped paying attention to her and continued walking.

February arrived in the blink of an eye, and with the film festival approaching, Tang You’an and Song Xici once again became the focus of public attention. After all, those who participated in Director Ouyang’s films usually brought home some award, whether major or minor. Those who returned empty-handed were the exception.

Not to mention, both Tang You’an and Song Xici had received nominations.

Although Song Xici claimed she wasn’t as eager for awards as before, as the event drew near, she found herself filled with anticipation.

Despite having won Best Actress before, that was ancient history. Since then, she had become unlucky with awards. Forget about winning awards, she couldn’t even win in daily raffles.

Two days before the awards ceremony, after Tang You’an and Song Xici landed, Tang You’an’s attitude was quite relaxed, treating it like a fun outing. Firstly, because this was her first film, she didn’t expect to win any awards and saw it as a learning experience. Secondly, she wasn’t a greedy person, and after getting Song Xici, she felt like she had the whole world. So before coming, she had researched a bunch of local delicacies, ready to indulge.

However, Song Xici, who had claimed to be indifferent about the awards, found herself growing increasingly nervous.

To the point where, even while accompanying Tang You’an shopping and eating after adjusting to the time difference, her mind was still preoccupied with the awards.

She wanted to ask Tang You’an to help her calculate her chances, but realizing it would be too mentally taxing and that the mystery would be solved soon enough, she decided to leave some suspense and ultimately didn’t ask.

On the day of the awards ceremony, Tang You’an donned a silver strapless gown that was well-tailored, simple yet exuding a hint of understated luxury. Her makeup was exquisite, her smooth long hair cascading down her back like water. She looked tall and beautiful, and even in the sea of beauties that was the entertainment industry, people couldn’t help but turn their gazes towards her.

Her beauty wasn’t petty or small-time; it was the kind that could hold its own in grand occasions, even seeming to gain more prestige in larger venues.

Song Xici wore a bean paste-colored long gown with a small accordion-like pleat design at the waist. To avoid looking too short, she wore a pair of sky-high heels.

As they entered and walked the red carpet, Song Xici held onto Tang You’an’s arm. Although she was extremely nervous, worrying about her dress falling off one moment and her heel breaking the next, she maintained an incredibly elegant demeanor throughout.

As soon as they appeared, photographers went crazy pressing their shutters, calling for them to turn this way and that. The flashing lights were almost blinding.

Fortunately, Tang You’an had adapted to the entertainment industry and didn’t have many hang-ups, so she wasn’t nervous at all and could handle it with ease.

After entering and taking their seats, when the time came, the meticulously dressed host walked out. Her appearance was greeted with a round of applause.

After the host’s lengthy introductions and presentations, the technical awards began to be distributed.

“Foreigners really do look so different from us,” Tang You’an glanced at the host, then turned to look at the others around them, adjusting her translator earpiece before leaning towards Song Xici and whispering.

“Ah, yes,” Song Xici stared at the stage, applauding soullessly.

Tang You’an sat there feeling a bit uncomfortable. She wondered how long this awards ceremony would last… They had already spent so much time on this today, and her bottom was getting sore from sitting.

Also, high heels were truly not meant for human feet. Even sitting down, they felt uncomfortable.

She really wanted some fried chicken and barbecue skewers. Oh, and that ice cream from the restaurant she found yesterday looked really good…

However, just as Tang You’an was getting restless, she heard the host mention “Divine Sacrifice” and her name.

In an instant, both Tang You’an and Song Xici were stunned.

“She is an exceptionally talented actress who has demonstrated exquisite skills. Her portrayal of Feng Liuyue in ‘Divine Sacrifice’ was remarkably on point. She is… from China, Tang You’an!” After the presenter finished speaking, the whole venue erupted in applause.

At that moment, Song Xici was so excited she almost jumped up, turning to give Tang You’an a bear hug: “Quick, go up!”

“Suddenly I forgot, what award is this again?” Tang You’an asked in a daze after hugging her back.

“Best New Actress. It’s already quite impressive, getting this for your first film. I didn’t even get half an award back in my day. Quick, go up!” Song Xici said, standing up to let her pass.

“Oh,” Tang You’an nodded.

“You memorized your acceptance speech, right? Don’t forget it!” Song Xici added as she sat back down.

“I haven’t forgotten, I’ll be right back,” Tang You’an said as she gently lifted the hem of her dress and walked towards the stage with a smile.

Song Xici sat in her seat watching Tang You’an go up, her face beaming with a proud motherly smile. She clasped her hands to her chest, feeling incredibly proud.

Tang You’an walked onto the stage, received the trophy, and took the microphone. She looked out at the sea of faces in the audience and smiled, “I’m extremely honored to receive this award. Thank you all for your recognition. I’d also like to thank Director Ouyang for giving me the opportunity to play this role…”

After a long speech, Tang You’an turned to look at Song Xici: “Lastly, I want to thank my wife, Song Xici. She has taught me so many things. Without her, there wouldn’t be the me standing here today. The trophy is beautiful, but Xici, you’re even more beautiful.”

With that, Tang You’an kissed the trophy.

Seeing this, Song Xici in the audience couldn’t help but cover her mouth, saying “You’re awful,” before joining in the thunderous applause.

The host, seeing this, couldn’t help but “Wow” at Tang You’an, raising her eyebrows and looking at the audience with an expression that could only be understood, not explained.

After returning to her seat with the trophy, Tang You’an turned to Song Xici happily: “I’ve discovered this trophy is quite pretty. We have a new decoration for our home!”

Hearing this, Song Xici poked her temple and shook her head with a smile.

Next, the host continued to present awards.

As award after award was presented and one big name after another went up on stage, Song Xici began to feel increasingly anxious.

It probably wasn’t going to happen for her, right? Among the nominees, she wasn’t considered a hot favorite to win. Everyone thought an actress named Jasmyn would win Best Actress this year.

Come to think of it, Jasmyn hadn’t gone up on stage yet. She should be the one getting that award, right? Thinking of this, Song Xici couldn’t help but press her lips together and clench her hands tightly.

In the blink of an eye, three-quarters of the awards had been presented, but Jasmyn still hadn’t been called.

Song Xici felt her hopes sinking lower and lower. Of course, how could she compare to someone like that? This time, she was probably going to come up empty-handed. The more she thought about it, the more discouraged she felt. But there was still a tiny glimmer of hope in her heart. Two years ago, she had thought about retiring from the entertainment industry to take over the family business, but because she hadn’t won an award or acted in the film she wanted, she had gritted her teeth and persevered until now.

Tang You’an looked at the stage, then turned to Song Xici. She reached out and held her hand, leaning close to her ear with a smile, whispering, “Don’t be nervous.”

“I…” Song Xici turned to look at her, “Sigh…”

“Next, we’ll present the Best Actress award. Please welcome the Italian director…” At this moment, the host spoke.

Tang You’an continued to hold Song Xici’s hand, looking up towards the stage. Song Xici was almost holding her breath, her heart racing as if it might burst out of her chest.

“She may look small and cute, gentle and charming, but beneath that slender frame lies endless possibilities and strength. She portrayed the character of Xiao Yujun in ‘Divine Sacrifice’ with extraordinary perfection, truly eye-opening. I announce that the winner of the Best Actress award at this film festival is… Song Xici!” After the host finished speaking, she led the applause.

When Song Xici heard the eruption of applause from the entire venue, she was completely stunned.

“Wife, go up,” Tang You’an said after applauding, patting her hand.

“Did I really hear that right?!” Song Xici pointed at herself.

“Yes, you heard correctly. It’s you,” Tang You’an smiled.

Hearing this, Song Xici couldn’t help but cover her face with both hands, suddenly wanting to cry. After composing herself, she quickly stood up, lifted her dress, and walked out of her seat, moving towards the stage with a dazed smile.

The spotlight and the audience’s gaze all turned to her. This was the moment she had been waiting for so long, and she had finally achieved it.

Under the lights, she looked like a beautiful princess.

Walking onto the stage, she carefully accepted the trophy, thanked everyone, then took the microphone and looked out at the audience. Taking a deep breath, she first delivered her acceptance speech in fluent English, then continued in Chinese: “Lastly, I also want to thank my wife, Tang You’an. Thank you for your companionship, for your encouragement and support. Thank you!”

As she finished, another wave of thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Tang You’an, watching her on stage, smiled and raised her hands, applauding vigorously.

After the awards ceremony ended, as soon as the two walked out, they were swarmed by media reporters who began interviewing them.

Reporter: “Miss Song, Miss Tang, neither of you had won awards before, but this time you both won simultaneously. How do you feel about your dual victories?”

Tang You’an smiled, glanced at Song Xici, then spoke into the microphone: “It shows that I was missing her in my life, and she was missing me in hers. We’re a perfect match. Together, our careers have smoothed out, our acting skills have improved, and we’ve won awards. We’re incredibly fortunate.”

Reporter: “That’s truly enviable.”

Tang You’an continued smiling: “Indeed.”

Reporter: “May I ask what you both consider to be the luckiest thing you’ve experienced in your lives?”

Tang You’an smiled: “That I liked her at the same time she happened to like me.”

Song Xici nodded: “Completely agree!”

Once again showcasing their affection, the reporter was stunned for a moment, showing a “please don’t torment this single dog” expression.

At this moment, a shout came from a nearby fan: “Hello? Police? There are people here brutally tormenting single dogs! It’s extremely vicious, I want to report them by name. Please come quickly to apprehend them!”

Hearing this, Tang You’an and Song Xici burst into laughter.