135. You Are Merely My Substitute

If Wen Shuang had not been hospitalized with a leg injury, this "Best Actress" award would undoubtedly have been hers.

However, Yao Qianqian stood out during the second half of the year, appearing in numerous dance productions. She had gained a solid following, and her performances significantly contributed to the academy's revenue. Therefore, it was a difficult call. Many dancers were discussing the matter.

"Who do you think will win Best Actress this year, Qianqian or Wen Shuang?"
"It's hard to say. Wen Shuang was more popular before, but she was off the stage for four months. As things stand, I feel it will be Qianqian!"
"I've heard these slots are often predetermined. Whoever wins Best Actress will likely be the lead dancer for the second half of the year. I also think it's Qianqian; she dances well now, and the directors like her. It's probably her!"

Everyone held high hopes for Yao Qianqian. When Wen Shuang overheard these conversations, she didn't get angry. After all, Yao Qianqian had genuine talent. If anyone was to blame, it was Wen Shuang herself for her streak of bad luck. If she didn't win, so be it.

Yao Qianqian even took the initiative to approach Wen Shuang about the matter. She hadn't expected that the two of them would one day become rivals in a sense.

"Qianqian, don't worry. I won't overthink it. This isn't you stealing my spot; it's just that I ran into some trouble earlier. Even if the award goes to you, I won't mind at all," Wen Shuang said sincerely.

Yao Qianqian hugged her. "That's great, Shuangshuang! You don't mind! But honestly, even I think you're the most deserving one, haha!"

The other actresses, who had expected a conflict, were surprised to see the two getting along as well as ever.

When the final results were announced, the dean declared at the assembly: "Wen Shuang!"

Wen Shuang herself was stunned. She hadn't held out much hope, thinking that even second or third place would be good. She never expected to take first! Despite her four-month hiatus, the audience voting data showed that her fan base in the dance circle remained incredibly solid, resulting in an almost overwhelming victory. Everyone was shocked.

Other actresses couldn't believe it, and many whispered that she must have used underhanded means. Yao Qianqian stood up for her, saying, "This is simply a testament to Shuangshuang's talent. Everyone, please, let's have no more of this!"

Wen Shuang was both surprised and moved.

She went home and shared the good news with Ji Shen. This "Best Actress" award was an immense encouragement. Although she had always maintained a stance of never giving up on her dance career, the support from the audience made her heart swell with excitement.

Ji Shen curved his lips. "When is the awards ceremony? I'll come to support you."

His case was reaching its final stages, and he expected to be free afterward. He would likely have the time to attend.

Wen Shuang was slightly surprised. "Are you done with your case?"

"Just about," Ji Shen said, stretching out his long arm. "I'll go take pictures of the future prima ballerina!"

The day of the ceremony arrived. Because it was the "Best Dancer" award and several heavyweight figures from the dance world were expected to attend, Wen Shuang dressed with great care. She chose a black off-the-shoulder gown from her wardrobe and swept her chestnut-colored, slightly wavy hair into a loose updo, leaving a few wisps to frame her face. The look was a blend of charm and cold elegance—neither too flashy nor too simple, possessing a low-key, breathtaking grace.

When Wen Shuang appeared, everyone at the banquet was stunned. She modestly greeted the seniors in the dance world. A classical dancer she particularly admired, Li Mei, was also there.

Li Mei smiled gently. "Wen Shuang, I've watched your dance dramas. As long as you remain grounded and are not tempted by external gains, you will achieve even greater things than I have."

Wen Shuang was overjoyed to receive such praise. "Thank you, Teacher Li. I will definitely work twice as hard in the future!"

Ji Shen was still working overtime, but he had promised to hurry over as soon as he finished. Although Wen Shuang didn't say anything, deep down, she longed for him to witness this important moment in her life.

At 7:30, most guests had arrived. The dean mentioned the ceremony was about to begin. Wen Shuang kept her eyes on the entrance.

Yao Qianqian, also dressed beautifully, asked, "Shuangshuang, with the ceremony being such an important occasion, is Officer Ji coming?"

Wen Shuang stared at the door. "He said he would come."

"That's wonderful! I'm so envious!" Yao Qianqian laughed, covering her mouth.

Five minutes later, the grand doors slowly opened. Wen Shuang suddenly froze in place. A man and a woman walked in.

The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a handsome face and a faint scar near his eye. The woman was wearing a black strapless evening gown and looked gentle and poised—it was none other than Jiang Ning!

The Ji Shen she had been waiting for had arrived, but he was with Jiang Ning! They looked like such a perfect match.

The academy had invited reporters to the ceremony. As soon as they saw Jiang Ning, they began snapping photos frantically. What was supposed to be a home-court event for the dance world suddenly felt like it belonged to her alone; all the spotlights were centered on her.

Seeing Wen Shuang, Jiang Ning took the initiative to approach her. "Miss Wen, congratulations. I heard you won Best Actress in the dance world! Congratulations on reaching new heights in your career."

Wen Shuang replied coolly, "Thank you."

"Excuse me, I seem to have stolen your spotlight," Jiang Ning said, looking at the surrounding lights.

Wen Shuang smiled faintly. "When I stand on stage, the lights will naturally shine on me. You are overthinking it, Miss Jiang."

Ji Shen hurried over, but at that moment, the dean finished his speech and called Wen Shuang to the stage to receive her award. Wen Shuang lifted her hem and walked up, her figure tall and slender, her movements graceful.

Jiang Ning leaned in and whispered, "Brother Shen, Miss Wen is very beautiful. You have good taste."

Ji Shen gazed at Wen Shuang’s retreating back. "Aside from the past, she is certainly wonderful now."

Jiang Ning stiffened for a moment but quickly regained her composure.

The dean announced that the "Best Female Dancer" award belonged to Wen Shuang. Thunderous applause erupted. Wen Shuang walked to the stage with poise.

The dean said, "Now, we invite Jiang Ning to present the award to Wen Shuang!"

It was the first time a celebrity from the entertainment industry was presenting an award to a dancer. The dean had been surprised when he first heard the news, but since it was Jiang Ning, he decided to treat it as free publicity for the academy.

Jiang Ning walked onto the stage under the gaze of everyone. She picked up the trophy and placed it in Wen Shuang’s hands. "Miss Wen, congratulations!"

Ji Shen sat in the audience, his dark eyes intense, radiating a powerful masculine charm. Jiang Ning hugged Wen Shuang and whispered into her ear, "See that man in the audience? He is mine."