Chen Wanru hadn’t gone far when she overheard their conversation. With her back to them, her sultry red lips curled ever so slightly in a hint of sarcasm.
Then, with a tantalizing swaying of her hips, she walked the red carpet under the watchful eyes of the crowd and ascended the stage.
Chen Wanru, with a smile on her face, first gave an obligatory handshake to the deputy president of ES, and then, a lady of ceremony brought up the crystal trophy.
The deputy president of ES took it with both hands and handed it to Chen Wanru, who likewise extended her hands to receive it, before the two shared a perfunctory hug.
After that, Chen Wanru casually held the trophy in her hand, took a microphone, and delivered a few brief acceptance remarks.
"I’m very grateful for ES’s recognition, as well as for the help and support from all the leaders and colleagues at ES! Thank you!"
Chen Wanru thought to herself that she had given this same speech for ten years without change. Year after year, it had become tasteless to her—how much more so for those listening?
Even so, thunderous applause still erupted from below, and Chen Wanru bowed slightly before exiting the stage.
Next was the turn for a male singer’s trophy, still presented by the deputy president of ES, followed by the award for the most promising female singer. Last year it was Jian Chenxi, but this year they had chosen two, naturally including Jian Chenxi, with the other being Ling Momo.
When the host announced the two names, Jian Chenxi stood up, radiant with a winning smile, and walked to the aisle of her row, waiting for Ling Momo. Together, they then stepped onto the stage.
This time, the presenter was none other than Chen Wanru.
Three of ES’s top female singers shared the stage, each with her own distinctive flair, none yielding to the others. The host couldn’t help but elaborate, "Miss Jian looks to be in great spirits; marriage has indeed done you well!"
With utmost grace, Jian Chenxi smiled and softly replied, "Thank you!"
The host then turned to Ling Momo, saying, "Miss Ling is truly the dark horse of ES, suddenly leaping into the limelight. Surely, a bright future awaits her."
Ling Momo smiled shyly, and the host added, "Miss Chen, Miss Jian, and Miss Ling, you all are the hope of ES. You should support each other moving forward."
Jian Chenxi, always one to make a good impression, held the microphone, smiled gently, and said with an appearance of sincerity, "Of course, Chen is my senior with much to teach me, and Miss Ling is like a younger sister to me. If she needs help, I will certainly do all I can."
Jian Chenxi had monopolized all the pleasantries, and when Ling Momo spoke next, she could only offer a faint smile in response.
Sensing nothing more needed to be said, the host then hurried Chen Wanru to present the awards to the two.
Logically, the award should have been presented to Jian Chenxi first, followed by Ling Momo.
However, Chen Wanru, having taken hold of the trophy, deliberately bypassed Jian Chenxi and handed it to Ling Momo instead. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ N0velFire.ɴet
Jian Chenxi’s expression changed little. The dazzling stage lights made her beauty appear unchanged to distant onlookers, but those on stage could see the slight coolness in her eyes.
Even though Ling Momo sensed the impropriety, she knew no one could stop what Chen Wanru intended to do. Smiling, she accepted the trophy from Chen Wanru’s hands, and when Chen Wanru opened her arms, Ling Momo gave her a light embrace.