It was a surprise, an absolute shock!
The Best Composition Award at the Asian Chinese Music Awards turned out to be the night's first major upset.
Fans who watched Lu Chen return to the stage to accept another award practically lost their minds with excitement.
Over in Lu Chen Bar (his fan forum), just thirty seconds earlier, a user named [Heavy Metal Element] had confidently said he'd eat his keyboard if Lu Chen won. Now, he was getting completely roasted by gleeful fans flooding the thread with sarcasm.
"Haha, someone's gotta eat a keyboard now! Hope it's that custom 'Magic Noise' one!"
"Bet it tastes amazing. Be sure to live stream the moment or it doesn't count."
"Lu Chen is a total legend, haters can go eat sh, !"
"Wow, never saw this coming! Biggest twist of the night. Poor guy's about to have a rough dinner."
"Hurry up and eat it, we're all waiting! Don't chicken out now!"
As for [Heavy Metal Element], the moment Li Xing announced Lu Chen's name, he instantly went silent, completely vanished like a turtle into its shell. No matter how much ridicule or trash talk came his way, he didn't make a single peep, acting like nothing had happened.
But hey, if you take the "eat keyboard" bet seriously, you've already lost.
Still, Lu Chen's fans couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed. Sure, the tables had turned spectacularly and justice was served, but now the guy was ghosting everyone. It's not like they could reach through the screen and drag him out for a public grilling, right?
Then again, with a fanbase as massive as Lu Chen's, there were bound to be all kinds of people, and some of them were not your average online warriors. Their skills and initiative? Off the charts when it mattered.
Within minutes, some fans with "special talents" launched a legendary move straight from internet folklore, a God-tier human flesh search (人肉搜索), all aimed at tracking down the real identity behind the handle [Heavy Metal Element].
They weren't stopping until they ripped the mask off this troll.
While chaos and celebration erupted online, between mocking and cheering, back at the National Grand Theater, Lu Chen was onstage accepting his second Golden Lark trophy from Li Xing.
"Congratulations!" she said warmly.
She flashed a bright, dazzling smile and gave Lu Chen a polite, formal hug.
The two had met the previous year at the Hangzhou West Lake Culture Festival opening ceremony. That night had been marked by a shocking acid attack incident, and Li Xing had developed a deep respect for Lu Chen's bravery and composure during the chaos.
Also, Li Xing was from Hangzhou, making them half-hometown acquaintances, which explained why she appeared especially warm toward him.
Two heavyweight awards. Presented by two Heavenly Queens of Chinese pop. Lu Chen had quite literally stolen the entire night's spotlight at the Asian Chinese Music Awards.
Jealousy, admiration, and awe, he had it all coming his way.
"Thank you!"
Speaking into the microphone, Lu Chen said sincerely: "This was completely unexpected. Honestly, I feel I still have so much to learn from my seniors, Dong Zhen, Zhang Keyi, and Tang Xiya."
At that moment, the lighting crew, under the director's cue, trained spotlights on each of the three composers, with close-up camera shots shown on the big screen.
Despite losing to a newcomer, the three veterans showed impeccable grace and class.
Smiling calmly, they expressed no frustration or resentment, just poise and professionalism.
Clearly, a song like 'I Love You, China' winning Best Composition was a fair and well-deserved result. The judging panel had made the right call.
Lu Chen continued: "I'm deeply grateful to CCTV and China National Radio for honoring me with such a prestigious award. I also want to thank the mentors who have shaped my life and career, Xu Bo, Mo Ran, and Fang Mingyi."
"Without them, I wouldn't be here today."
Since he never expected to win Best Composition, Lu Chen hadn't prepared a speech. So instead of repeating things he'd said before, he took the chance to share what was truly in his heart.
If it weren't for that strange dream, if it weren't for the three figures appearing in that dream, no matter how hard Lu Chen worked, he would never have stood here today. He thanked fate for the luck it granted him, and he also expressed gratitude to Xu Bo, Mo Ran, and Fang Mingyi.
Whether the dream was real or not, he couldn't tell. What mattered was to remember his original intentions and never forget to be grateful!
"Thank you all once again!"
Lu Chen bowed deeply to all the audience and guests for the second time, while silently paying tribute and thanks to the three figures in his memory.
Amidst the overwhelming applause, he returned to his seat.
After sitting down again, Lu Chen still felt a bit unreal. He couldn't help but grip the award tightly in his hands.
But the trophy was absolutely real.
"Awesome!"
Sitting beside him, Li Mubai quietly gave Lu Chen a thumbs-up.
He had some experience in music himself and knew how incredibly difficult it was for Lu Chen to win this award, it was like he was on a whole different level.
Lu Chen smiled faintly, feeling deeply moved. Unconsciously, he had come so far, and already held two major awards in his hands.
Li Mubai's eyes sparkled as he said, "There's still the Best Album award!"
He clearly hoped Lu Chen would score another victory. But Lu Chen himself knew that tonight was where it would end. The Best Album was out of reach.
If something that incredible did happen, then he would have to write a giant "Respect" to CCTV.
In fact, just winning Best Composition had already made Lu Chen admire CCTV greatly.
The Best Album award was announced after the Best Group award. Earlier, MSN had been nominated for Best New Group but ultimately lost to another boy band, July Sky, a loss that was frankly a bit hard to accept.
MSN's debut album Not Yet Lovers had sales that completely smashed the competition!
As for Best Album, Lu Chen lost as expected. CCTV and the judging panel had already given him enough spotlight; they wouldn't let him ride high all the way to the end.
Even the fans watching the live stream online accepted this calmly. They were more than satisfied already.
The Asian Chinese Music Awards only had 21 awards total. Apart from Best Male and Female Vagabond Singer, Best Album was one of the most prestigious honors in the industry.
Meanwhile, Chen Fei'er was nominated for Best Female Vagabond Singer, but the crown went to Zhang Linzhi.
Zhang Linzhi was also a top-tier female vagabond singer in the country. Although Chen Fei'er was more famous and held a higher status, she hadn't released a personal album in 2015. None of the songs Lu Chen wrote for her had been officially released, so her influence last year was weaker than the very active Zhang Linzhi.
Chen Fei'er was a little regretful but sincerely congratulated Zhang Linzhi.
As for Best Male Vagabond Singer, it was won by Hu Gong, another powerhouse singer in the domestic scene.
After more than two hours, the 16th and final Asian Chinese Music Awards officially concluded at the Capital City National Grand Theater.
This significant domestic pop music award had come to an end, ready to welcome a new era of brilliance.
After the ceremony, Lu Chen gave an interview to the CCTV Music Channel.
(This chapter ends)
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