The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show

Chapter 471 - 473: Winning an Award

Applause erupted as two hosts walked onto the stage, wearing professional smiles and holding microphones.

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this year’s Golden Rooster Awards ceremony!"

The other host chimed in, "So many familiar faces here tonight, so many industry titans..." he said with an appreciative laugh before greeting a few people in the audience:

"Elder Colt, it’s been a while. I trust you’re doing well?"

Anson Colt smiled and nodded. "I’m very well, thank you for your concern."

"Hi, Ms. Kenway! I believe we last met at an industry gala. I didn’t expect we’d see each other again so soon."

Naomi Kenway smiled and waved, looking relaxed and natural for the camera.

"Is that your husband beside you? Wow, to think that President Shaw himself has come to the ceremony! A warm welcome to you!"

The female host added with a smile, "We’ve all heard how wonderful Ms. Kenway’s marriage is, and seeing them today, they’re clearly so in love. Having your husband accompany you to the awards ceremony... it’s truly something to be envied."

The words were music to Ethan Shaw’s ears. A smile spread across his face, and he squeezed Naomi Kenway’s hand.

Since the ceremony was being broadcast live, the couple’s shippers in the audience were just as thrilled:

[OMG, look! President Shaw is actually here with Nina!]

[The way they look at each other, you can’t miss the love in their eyes. I’m shipping them so hard!]

[What about Ian? Why didn’t they bring him with them? (Just wondering...)]

[Ian should be in school at this hour. It makes sense that they didn’t bring him.]

[I wonder who’s going to win Best Actor and Actress this year. The front-runners have been announced, and I’m rooting for Nina!]

[With a box office as high as *The Search*’s, taking home a few trophies wouldn’t be unreasonable, right?]

[A film this meaningful deserves to win. We haven’t had a movie of this caliber in years. The director is brilliant, and the entire creative team was incredible!]

...

The opening ceremony was a bit dull, and it was followed by the lengthy awards presentation. The initial awards were for Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Role, as the major awards were always saved for the grand finale.

With Ethan Shaw by her side, Naomi Kenway felt that the entire awards ceremony wasn’t so boring anymore.

Worried about disturbing those around them, Naomi Kenway whispered to Ethan Shaw.

They spent most of their time in silence. Naomi toyed with Ethan’s long, slender fingers, eventually sliding the thumb ring off his hand to study it in her palm.

Ethan Shaw simply turned his head to gaze at her, his eyes filled with warmth and adoration.

[Does the opening part have to be so long? It’s dragging on forever. I wish they’d just announce the winners and get it over with, instead of building all this suspense.]

[It’s like this every year. You get used to it.]

[Can we get more shots of Nina and President Shaw? I absolutely love watching them!]

Anson Colt would occasionally nod and chuckle to himself. He stroked his graying beard as he watched the sweet, loving couple beside him, his eyes full of kindness and satisfaction.

Just as Naomi was getting into her little game, she felt a poke from behind. She turned to find it was Luke Lowell.

Luke Lowell was dressed like a peacock today. His bangs were slicked back with pomade, and he wore a patterned, vintage-style suit jacket.

Luke Lowell leaned back, resting his head on his seat. His eyes crinkled into a smile. "Well, well, well, who do we have here being all lovey-dovey? You two never take a break, do you? Have you no consideration for the feelings of us single dogs?"

Naomi looked slightly surprised. "When did you sit down behind us?"

"Just now."

"Oh," Naomi said, then teased, "So you were the one who was late. I was wondering why I hadn’t seen you around."

"Hey, I wasn’t late..." Luke Lowell cleared his throat uncomfortably. "The traffic was bad, so I had to sneak in."

"And the nominees for Best Newcomer are... Iris Bell for *Beacon Fire*, Aaron Sanders for *Rebirth*, Julian York for *A Small Town Love Story*, and Luke Lowell for *South Side Stories*..."

Hearing his name called for a Best Newcomer nomination, Luke Lowell couldn’t help but jolt. ’Me? Are they really talking about me? A Best Newcomer nominee?’

He clearly hadn’t expected it, and when the camera panned to him, he couldn’t suppress a smile.

Ethan Shaw said, "Congratulations."

"Hehe, thanks, cousin."

The host on stage announced the winner: "And the award for Best Newcomer goes to... Aaron Sanders for *Rebirth*! Let’s give him a big round of applause! In the film *Rebirth*, Aaron Sanders..."

The smile vanished from Luke Lowell’s face in an instant. "So I was just an also-ran after all," he muttered, dejected. "I knew this award wouldn’t be easy to win."

Naomi consoled him, "Relax. Look at it from a different perspective. You’re so young. Even if you don’t win this year, there’s always next year, and the year after that. Getting a nomination as a newcomer is already a huge accomplishment. It proves you have real talent!"

Luke Lowell’s eyes lit up. "Wow, you’re really good at comforting people. Thanks, I feel a lot better now."

The awards presentation continued. To Naomi’s surprise, she heard her own name called for a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Hugh Chandler.

On the large screen above the stage, a clip reel of Naomi’s performance began to play.

"And the winner of our Best Supporting Actress award is..."

Naomi subconsciously squeezed Ethan’s hand tighter. It was impossible not to feel a thrill. The dream of acting had been ingrained in her for so many years; ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamed of becoming a great actress and giving audiences incredible performances.

To be fortunate enough to win a Golden Rooster Award would be the ultimate validation of her career.

Ethan Shaw sensed her tension and whispered, "Relax. Don’t be nervous."

"Naomi Kenway for *Youth*! In the film *Youth*, Ms. Kenway’s portrayal of the third female lead, Hugh Chandler, was absolutely masterful. The character’s resilient and unyielding spirit captivated countless viewers, earning her praise and adoration from the audience."

"Come on, let’s welcome Ms. Kenway to the stage to accept her award."

Naomi’s eyes met Ethan’s, and her racing heart began to slow. She exhaled, then walked slowly toward the stage, guided by his delighted gaze.

Two highly respected industry veterans were presenting the award.

"Naomi, congratulations. We hope you never forget why you started, and that your journey as an actress will be long and successful."

"Thank you." Naomi accepted the heavy trophy and took the microphone to give her acceptance speech.

Even as she walked off the stage, Naomi could still feel her heart beating just a little too fast. THUMP. THUMP.

Ethan Shaw took her hand, his eyes mirroring her own joy. "Congratulations, darling."

Naomi eagerly passed the trophy into his hands, sharing this joy with him.

Naomi then made sure to show the trophy to Anson Colt. "Grandpa Colt, today... I’m just so excited and happy..."

Anson Colt nodded again and again, immensely pleased. "Excellent, excellent, my child. I saw your performance. You earned this. After we get back, we’ll take Simon and have a proper celebration!"