Chapter 73 – Music Awards Ceremony
On the day of the Music Awards Ceremony, Ding Meng was excited.
Although the day had just barely begun, Ding Meng eyes were already wide opened, hands latching onto the blanket as she gazed at the ceiling, spellbound.
Not aware of how much time had passed, a chuckle sounded from her side: “Wife, if you are already brimming with energy then I can help you deplete some of it.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She slowly turned her head over towards the reclined Qiao Yichen, languidly saying: “Don’t bother, I can go downstairs and run two laps.”
Qiao Yichen raised the corner of his lips: “Going downstairs will be more bothersome, and you’ll need to put on clothes. We can solve everything here.”
Ding Meng: “…”
Ding Meng had a slight urge to write a book, with the title being 《Qiao Yichen’s Observation Diary: Theory on Attaining Thick-Headedness》.[1]
It’ll likely be a big seller.
Feeling that the person beside her was about to stir up some trouble, Ding Meng suddenly flipped the blanket over and sat up: “I’m going upstairs to warm up my voice!”
Qiao Yichen: “…”
Though, he too could’ve helped her warm up.
Ding Meng went and put on some soft pajamas and climbed up to the second floor. She then began with some simple diction exercises. Qiao Yichen also didn’t feel like lying about any longer and climbed out of bed to prepare breakfast.
The house contained newly bought chestnut sauce accompanied with toasted bread; good for Ding Meng’s health.
When he finished extracting some fruit juice, Ding Meng had finished with warming up her voice just in time. Qiao Yichen chuckled, grabbing the glass of juice as he walked over to the table: “Honey lemon juice.”
Ding Meng looked towards the table, raising her eyebrows: “Today’s breakfast seems rather rich.” Furthermore, it was all her favourite foods.
Qiao Yichen responded: “Seeing you wake up so early, I was thinking you awoke out of hunger.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She was only just nervous.
As if he saw through her mind, Qiao Yichen lightly patted her head: “No need to pressure yourself too much. Regardless of the outcome, you’ve already done well.”
Ding Meng frowned; all of her words are taken out her mouth by Qiao Yichen.
“Who do you think wanted me to defeat Gu Xin in the first place?” She asked.
Qiao Yichen laughed as he took a seat: “Goals need to be a bit big.”
Ding Meng disagreed: “Goals ought to be set in consideration of one’s abilities. Goals that are unrealistic can only be seen as fantasies.”[2]
Qiao Yichen responded: “Of course, that’s why I didn’t tell you to defeat Mo Zhen.”
Ding Meng: “…”
In regards to the singing community, Gu Xin and Mo Zhen are more or less the same!
When the loquacious breakfast concluded, Qiao Yichen drove Ding Meng to the company. He then drove himself to the concert location for on-site preparations.
Although the awards ceremony will be at night, there are also everyday tasks that are needed to be attended to during the day.
When Ding Meng arrived at the company, the makeup stylist began styling her for tonight’s ceremony.
This time, the dress she wore costed a huge sum to make. Not only the large circle skirt, but its veil had pearls sewn to it and a neckband decorated with several diamonds[3]; truly, the centerpieces of the dress.
Just that under the lights, it releases an all too eye-catching brilliance.
Ding Meng couldn’t help but let out a sigh: “Simply like adding movie effects.”
Makeup stylist: “…”
When Ding Meng’s makeup stylist finished, Jiang Man came over for a look, appearing very satisfied: “As expected, this article of clothing is absolutely breathtaking. It would’ve been worth it no matter how long it took for this to be made. Tonight I’ll attend the ceremony with you.”
Ding Meng nodded her head: “Oh.” Last year, Jiang Man had Ding Meng attend the ceremony with just her assistant manager. This year, looks like she’ll be accompanying her herself. It appears their relationship has improved a bit.
“Oh right, the company wants you and Qiao Yichen to walk the Red Carpet together.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She quickly blinked twice, eyeing at Jiang Man and asked: “Company? Who, specifically?”
It couldn’t be Qiao Yichen, surely.
Jiang Man didn’t answer her question, just saying: “Qiao Yichen is not only your husband, but is also the music producer for your album. Regardless who in the company suggested this idea, Qiao Yichen is more than suitable to walk down the Red Carpet with you.”
“… Oh, that’s fine then.” Actually, Ding Meng didn’t mind walking down the Red Carpet with Qiao Yichen, but was just conscious of how the media would describe the two the morning after.
Though the company would be more than entertained by it.
Jiang Man spoke: “Qiao Yichen is trying out clothes in the dressing room next door. Wait a bit and you two will go together.”
“… Ok.”
When the assistant manager came in and called for her, Qiao Yichen also came in, following from behind. He wore a black, three piece suit, accompanied with a wine red tie. Ding Meng raised her brows: “Never expected that Goudan would appear quite handsome dressed up.”
The nearby assistant manager silently wiggled their eyebrows, Goudan?
Qiao Yichen’s was pleased, completely ignoring the fact that his own wife had publicly addressed him with his pet name: “Even if I was not well dressed I would appear good looking. It’s all due to my face.”
Ding Meng chortled, this person is certainly not modest: “Oh, when we were young you were like a blade of grass.”[4]
Qiao Yichen laughed, stretching his hand out towards her: “All right, let’s go my little flower.”
Ding Meng blinked a few, then leaned forward and held onto his hand.
The assistant manager at the sidelines silently closed her eyes.
Similar to last year, the Music Awards Ceremony commenced at seven-thirty sharp.
When Ding Meng drove her car over, there were reporters who were all holding onto their cameras, awaiting for the moment when she steps out of the car.
But when the car’s door opened, the one who came out was Qiao Yichen.
The reports stared at the scene blankly, before wildly activating their shutters shortly afterwards.
Qiao Yichen stretched his hand into the car behind him in which Ding Meng held onto. The two then waltzed out accompanied with the noisy sounds of shuttering and snapping.
Ding Meng’s red dress was very eye-catching. With Qiao Yichen next to her, the two’s appearance side-by-side, they were welcomed by the reporters with the flashing lights of cameras.[5]
Ding Meng had been trained to stay composed in front of the camera lights, so she was able to let out a natural smile. On the other hand, it was unbearable for Qiao Yichen. Slightly wrinkling his brows, he bent over and shifted his head next to Ding Meng’s ear: “Wife, let us quicken our pace.”
A burst of shrieks then sounded from the crowd, and the flashing lights became even more chaotic.
Qiao Yichen: “…”
The sounds of cheering on both sides of the Red Carpet continuously rose up and down, as if they had boundless stamina. Ding Meng held Qiao Yichen’s hand and, with her back upright, walked towards the registration area.
Although today she spent quite a bit of money on her apparel, she could not remain on the Red Carpet forever.
Waiting next to the registration area was the host who could no longer suppress his excitement. Once he saw that Ding Meng and Qiao Yichen had finished signing their names, he vigorously went up and welcomed them: “I would never imagine that today Ding Meng and Big Producer Qiao would walk down the Red Carpet together!” Yeah, no thanks to this Tyrannical Dog!
Ding Meng laughed, responding: “Mister Qiao Yichen is the producer of the album 《Thank You》. The album’s success is as important to him as it is to me.”
The host nodded: “Since it was for his wife after all!”
The crowd laughed. Ding Meng felt a bit embarrassed.
The host then brought the microphone in front of Qiao Yichen: “Ding Meng has been nominated for the Best Album of the Year and the Golden Melody Awards. Do you have confidence that she’ll win, Big Producer Qiao?”
Qiao Yichen replied: “I, to both her and the album, am filled with absolute confidence.”
Ohohoh, the Tyrannical Dog’s skills have been activated!
The crowd at the scene grew noisy again. The host persevered and continued asking: “Was that your answer as the producer of the song, or as Ding Meng’s husband?”
Qiao Yichen glanced at Ding Meng, responding: “Both.”
With Qiao Yichen’s faint eye contact with Ding Meng, the host was instant killed, forgetting what he was going to ask next.
Qiao Yichen took advantage of the opening to walk off hand in hand with Ding Meng.
When Gu Xin arrived on the scene, the host went up to him with the same vigorous manner: “Handsome Gu, just earlier Big Producer Qiao said that he was very confident that Ding Meng will win the award this time. Do you have any comments in regard to this?”
Gu Xin responded: “It’s quite lonely being at the top. If Ding Meng really has the capability to defeat me, then I’ll be expectant.”
The host was once again defeated; Handsome Gu’s response was too cool!
The reporters on the site, one after another, kept mentioning that there will be no gimmicks for tomorrow’s news.
After all the guests have walked down the Red Carpet, the Awards Ceremony commenced.
The first award in the ceremony was still the Best Newcomer Award, and the competition was fierce. Not only was there the indomitable Jia Shuai, there was also Mu Shuang who has recently released her first album. Most of the nominees were contestants from the last two seasons of 《Heavenly Voice》. Seems that singing competitions has become the best way for people to start their debut.
Ding Meng’s was last year’s winner of the Best Newcomer Award. This time, she was invited to personally award this year’s winner. When the host handed the red envelope to her, Ding Meng unexpectedly found herself being a bit nervous.
“The winner of the 37th Music Awards Ceremony’s Best Newcomer Award goes to—” Although it was Ding Meng’s first time handing someone an award, but she knew the unspoken rule for occasions such as these. So right before she would mention the winner, she deliberately paused for a bit before arriving to the climax.
She then noticed the tense expressions on the nominees’ faces and felt some kind of amusement from it.
Looks like she discovered a new guilty pleasure.
“Mu Shuang!” Finally, she read out the winner’s name.
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Mu Shuang went up to the stage and received the trophy from Ding Meng’s hands. She then began delivering her acceptance speech.
Ding Meng retired from the stage and returned to her seat.
As one award after another is given out, the time for the Best Album of the Year award and the Golden Melody Awards approaches.
Ding Meng took a deep breath, relieving the tension in her nerves.
Qiao Yichen gently held onto her hand.
Ding Meng turned her head and glanced at Qiao Yichen, silently raising the corners of her lips.
“It is now time for the revealing of this year’s Best Album of the Year. This year, it feels as if the music industry has been given a new source of vitality. Not only has there been the emergence of excellent newcomers, the quality and sales of this year’s album has also been considerably gratifying. Let us review this year’s album releases.”
All the nominees’ albums began to play from the big screen. Not only was there Ding Meng’s 《Thank You》and Gu Xin’s 《Crazy》, there was also Mu Shuang’s album.
That album was also produced by Qiao Yichen, though the lyrics were done by Mu Shuang herself. If Mu Shuang were to receive the Best Album of the Year award in addition to having already received the Best Newcomer Award, it will surely become a legend that’ll go down in history.
The announcer for the winner is still Senior Musician Wang Si Miao. He once said that if Gu Xin keeps winning the award, wouldn’t he have to come to the ceremony every year as the announcer?
“I hope that this will be my last time awarding this award.” Wang Simiao said once he received the envelope. The default winner for the Best Album of the Year has continuously been Gu Xin for the past three years. It would be improper for Gu Xin to continue awarding himself the award every year, so they would invite Wang Simiao up to announce the winner.
The host then spoke jokingly: “If you honestly don’t wish to come anymore, we could let Qiao Yichen do it next time. He comes to the ceremony every year anyways.”
Wang Simiao laughed: “That’s fine then. Not only that the music industry needs trust, producers also need new blood.”[6]
He spoke as he opened the envelope. Unlike in the dramatic manner Ding Meng had done, he instead just straightforwardly announced: “The winner of the Best Album of the Year goes to— Ding Meng, 《Thank You》!”
[1]她有股想写一本书的冲动，标题叫做《乔以辰观察日记：论脸皮的厚度是怎样练成的》。
[2]目标也得视自身能力而定，不切实际的目标，只能叫做空想。
[3]不仅有三百六十度的超大裙摆，面上那层轻纱上缝著的珍珠和领口处点缀的几颗钻石
[4]哦，你从小就是我们七中一根草。
[5]她的一袭红色礼服本就十分抢眼，再加上身边还跟著乔以辰，两人一出现，就接受了记者们闪光灯的集中洗礼。
[6]汪思淼笑著道：「那好啊，不仅乐坛需要信任，制作人也需要有新的血液。」 (I’m quite confident that my translation should be somewhere along the lines of the raws… But I don’t quite understand the reason behind this line of dialogue. Perhaps I messed up after all qwq.)
Chapter 73 – Music Awards Ceremony
On the day of the Music Awards Ceremony, Ding Meng was excited.
Although the day had just barely begun, Ding Meng eyes were already wide opened, hands latching onto the blanket as she gazed at the ceiling, spellbound.
Not aware of how much time had passed, a chuckle sounded from her side: “Wife, if you are already brimming with energy then I can help you deplete some of it.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She slowly turned her head over towards the reclined Qiao Yichen, languidly saying: “Don’t bother, I can go downstairs and run two laps.”
Qiao Yichen raised the corner of his lips: “Going downstairs will be more bothersome, and you’ll need to put on clothes. We can solve everything here.”
Ding Meng: “…”
Ding Meng had a slight urge to write a book, with the title being 《Qiao Yichen’s Observation Diary: Theory on Attaining Thick-Headedness》.[1]
It’ll likely be a big seller.
Feeling that the person beside her was about to stir up some trouble, Ding Meng suddenly flipped the blanket over and sat up: “I’m going upstairs to warm up my voice!”
Qiao Yichen: “…”
Though, he too could’ve helped her warm up.
Ding Meng went and put on some soft pajamas and climbed up to the second floor. She then began with some simple diction exercises. Qiao Yichen also didn’t feel like lying about any longer and climbed out of bed to prepare breakfast.
The house contained newly bought chestnut sauce accompanied with toasted bread; good for Ding Meng’s health.
When he finished extracting some fruit juice, Ding Meng had finished with warming up her voice just in time. Qiao Yichen chuckled, grabbing the glass of juice as he walked over to the table: “Honey lemon juice.”
Ding Meng looked towards the table, raising her eyebrows: “Today’s breakfast seems rather rich.” Furthermore, it was all her favourite foods.
Qiao Yichen responded: “Seeing you wake up so early, I was thinking you awoke out of hunger.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She was only just nervous.
As if he saw through her mind, Qiao Yichen lightly patted her head: “No need to pressure yourself too much. Regardless of the outcome, you’ve already done well.”
Ding Meng frowned; all of her words are taken out her mouth by Qiao Yichen.
“Who do you think wanted me to defeat Gu Xin in the first place?” She asked.
Qiao Yichen laughed as he took a seat: “Goals need to be a bit big.”
Ding Meng disagreed: “Goals ought to be set in consideration of one’s abilities. Goals that are unrealistic can only be seen as fantasies.”[2]
Qiao Yichen responded: “Of course, that’s why I didn’t tell you to defeat Mo Zhen.”
Ding Meng: “…”
In regards to the singing community, Gu Xin and Mo Zhen are more or less the same!
When the loquacious breakfast concluded, Qiao Yichen drove Ding Meng to the company. He then drove himself to the concert location for on-site preparations.
Although the awards ceremony will be at night, there are also everyday tasks that are needed to be attended to during the day.
When Ding Meng arrived at the company, the makeup stylist began styling her for tonight’s ceremony.
This time, the dress she wore costed a huge sum to make. Not only the large circle skirt, but its veil had pearls sewn to it and a neckband decorated with several diamonds[3]; truly, the centerpieces of the dress.
Just that under the lights, it releases an all too eye-catching brilliance.
Ding Meng couldn’t help but let out a sigh: “Simply like adding movie effects.”
Makeup stylist: “…”
When Ding Meng’s makeup stylist finished, Jiang Man came over for a look, appearing very satisfied: “As expected, this article of clothing is absolutely breathtaking. It would’ve been worth it no matter how long it took for this to be made. Tonight I’ll attend the ceremony with you.”
Ding Meng nodded her head: “Oh.” Last year, Jiang Man had Ding Meng attend the ceremony with just her assistant manager. This year, looks like she’ll be accompanying her herself. It appears their relationship has improved a bit.
“Oh right, the company wants you and Qiao Yichen to walk the Red Carpet together.”
Ding Meng: “…”
She quickly blinked twice, eyeing at Jiang Man and asked: “Company? Who, specifically?”
It couldn’t be Qiao Yichen, surely.
Jiang Man didn’t answer her question, just saying: “Qiao Yichen is not only your husband, but is also the music producer for your album. Regardless who in the company suggested this idea, Qiao Yichen is more than suitable to walk down the Red Carpet with you.”
“… Oh, that’s fine then.” Actually, Ding Meng didn’t mind walking down the Red Carpet with Qiao Yichen, but was just conscious of how the media would describe the two the morning after.
Though the company would be more than entertained by it.
Jiang Man spoke: “Qiao Yichen is trying out clothes in the dressing room next door. Wait a bit and you two will go together.”
“… Ok.”
When the assistant manager came in and called for her, Qiao Yichen also came in, following from behind. He wore a black, three piece suit, accompanied with a wine red tie. Ding Meng raised her brows: “Never expected that Goudan would appear quite handsome dressed up.”
The nearby assistant manager silently wiggled their eyebrows, Goudan?
Qiao Yichen’s was pleased, completely ignoring the fact that his own wife had publicly addressed him with his pet name: “Even if I was not well dressed I would appear good looking. It’s all due to my face.”
Ding Meng chortled, this person is certainly not modest: “Oh, when we were young you were like a blade of grass.”[4]
Qiao Yichen laughed, stretching his hand out towards her: “All right, let’s go my little flower.”
Ding Meng blinked a few, then leaned forward and held onto his hand.
The assistant manager at the sidelines silently closed her eyes.
Similar to last year, the Music Awards Ceremony commenced at seven-thirty sharp.
When Ding Meng drove her car over, there were reporters who were all holding onto their cameras, awaiting for the moment when she steps out of the car.
But when the car’s door opened, the one who came out was Qiao Yichen.
The reports stared at the scene blankly, before wildly activating their shutters shortly afterwards.
Qiao Yichen stretched his hand into the car behind him in which Ding Meng held onto. The two then waltzed out accompanied with the noisy sounds of shuttering and snapping.
Ding Meng’s red dress was very eye-catching. With Qiao Yichen next to her, the two’s appearance side-by-side, they were welcomed by the reporters with the flashing lights of cameras.[5]
Ding Meng had been trained to stay composed in front of the camera lights, so she was able to let out a natural smile. On the other hand, it was unbearable for Qiao Yichen. Slightly wrinkling his brows, he bent over and shifted his head next to Ding Meng’s ear: “Wife, let us quicken our pace.”
A burst of shrieks then sounded from the crowd, and the flashing lights became even more chaotic.
Qiao Yichen: “…”
The sounds of cheering on both sides of the Red Carpet continuously rose up and down, as if they had boundless stamina. Ding Meng held Qiao Yichen’s hand and, with her back upright, walked towards the registration area.
Although today she spent quite a bit of money on her apparel, she could not remain on the Red Carpet forever.
Waiting next to the registration area was the host who could no longer suppress his excitement. Once he saw that Ding Meng and Qiao Yichen had finished signing their names, he vigorously went up and welcomed them: “I would never imagine that today Ding Meng and Big Producer Qiao would walk down the Red Carpet together!” Yeah, no thanks to this Tyrannical Dog!
Ding Meng laughed, responding: “Mister Qiao Yichen is the producer of the album 《Thank You》. The album’s success is as important to him as it is to me.”
The host nodded: “Since it was for his wife after all!”
The crowd laughed. Ding Meng felt a bit embarrassed.
The host then brought the microphone in front of Qiao Yichen: “Ding Meng has been nominated for the Best Album of the Year and the Golden Melody Awards. Do you have confidence that she’ll win, Big Producer Qiao?”
Qiao Yichen replied: “I, to both her and the album, am filled with absolute confidence.”
Ohohoh, the Tyrannical Dog’s skills have been activated!
The crowd at the scene grew noisy again. The host persevered and continued asking: “Was that your answer as the producer of the song, or as Ding Meng’s husband?”
Qiao Yichen glanced at Ding Meng, responding: “Both.”
With Qiao Yichen’s faint eye contact with Ding Meng, the host was instant killed, forgetting what he was going to ask next.
Qiao Yichen took advantage of the opening to walk off hand in hand with Ding Meng.
When Gu Xin arrived on the scene, the host went up to him with the same vigorous manner: “Handsome Gu, just earlier Big Producer Qiao said that he was very confident that Ding Meng will win the award this time. Do you have any comments in regard to this?”
Gu Xin responded: “It’s quite lonely being at the top. If Ding Meng really has the capability to defeat me, then I’ll be expectant.”
The host was once again defeated; Handsome Gu’s response was too cool!
The reporters on the site, one after another, kept mentioning that there will be no gimmicks for tomorrow’s news.
After all the guests have walked down the Red Carpet, the Awards Ceremony commenced.
The first award in the ceremony was still the Best Newcomer Award, and the competition was fierce. Not only was there the indomitable Jia Shuai, there was also Mu Shuang who has recently released her first album. Most of the nominees were contestants from the last two seasons of 《Heavenly Voice》. Seems that singing competitions has become the best way for people to start their debut.
Ding Meng’s was last year’s winner of the Best Newcomer Award. This time, she was invited to personally award this year’s winner. When the host handed the red envelope to her, Ding Meng unexpectedly found herself being a bit nervous.
“The winner of the 37th Music Awards Ceremony’s Best Newcomer Award goes to—” Although it was Ding Meng’s first time handing someone an award, but she knew the unspoken rule for occasions such as these. So right before she would mention the winner, she deliberately paused for a bit before arriving to the climax.
She then noticed the tense expressions on the nominees’ faces and felt some kind of amusement from it.
Looks like she discovered a new guilty pleasure.
“Mu Shuang!” Finally, she read out the winner’s name.
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Mu Shuang went up to the stage and received the trophy from Ding Meng’s hands. She then began delivering her acceptance speech.
Ding Meng retired from the stage and returned to her seat.
As one award after another is given out, the time for the Best Album of the Year award and the Golden Melody Awards approaches.
Ding Meng took a deep breath, relieving the tension in her nerves.
Qiao Yichen gently held onto her hand.
Ding Meng turned her head and glanced at Qiao Yichen, silently raising the corners of her lips.
“It is now time for the revealing of this year’s Best Album of the Year. This year, it feels as if the music industry has been given a new source of vitality. Not only has there been the emergence of excellent newcomers, the quality and sales of this year’s album has also been considerably gratifying. Let us review this year’s album releases.”
All the nominees’ albums began to play from the big screen. Not only was there Ding Meng’s 《Thank You》and Gu Xin’s 《Crazy》, there was also Mu Shuang’s album.
That album was also produced by Qiao Yichen, though the lyrics were done by Mu Shuang herself. If Mu Shuang were to receive the Best Album of the Year award in addition to having already received the Best Newcomer Award, it will surely become a legend that’ll go down in history.
The announcer for the winner is still Senior Musician Wang Si Miao. He once said that if Gu Xin keeps winning the award, wouldn’t he have to come to the ceremony every year as the announcer?
“I hope that this will be my last time awarding this award.” Wang Simiao said once he received the envelope. The default winner for the Best Album of the Year has continuously been Gu Xin for the past three years. It would be improper for Gu Xin to continue awarding himself the award every year, so they would invite Wang Simiao up to announce the winner.
The host then spoke jokingly: “If you honestly don’t wish to come anymore, we could let Qiao Yichen do it next time. He comes to the ceremony every year anyways.”
Wang Simiao laughed: “That’s fine then. Not only that the music industry needs trust, producers also need new blood.”[6]
He spoke as he opened the envelope. Unlike in the dramatic manner Ding Meng had done, he instead just straightforwardly announced: “The winner of the Best Album of the Year goes to— Ding Meng, 《Thank You》!”
[1]她有股想写一本书的冲动，标题叫做《乔以辰观察日记：论脸皮的厚度是怎样练成的》。
[2]目标也得视自身能力而定，不切实际的目标，只能叫做空想。
[3]不仅有三百六十度的超大裙摆，面上那层轻纱上缝著的珍珠和领口处点缀的几颗钻石
[4]哦，你从小就是我们七中一根草。
[5]她的一袭红色礼服本就十分抢眼，再加上身边还跟著乔以辰，两人一出现，就接受了记者们闪光灯的集中洗礼。
[6]汪思淼笑著道：「那好啊，不仅乐坛需要信任，制作人也需要有新的血液。」 (I’m quite confident that my translation should be somewhere along the lines of the raws… But I don’t quite understand the reason behind this line of dialogue. Perhaps I messed up after all qwq.)
