The moment Zeno Han’s name was called, the comment section on the livestream exploded into chaos.
– AHHHH MY PRINCE!!
– LOOK AT HIM WALKING LIKE ROYALTY NEVER LEFT HIM.
– face card. face card. face card. not even a single decline.
– HANDSOME?? I THOUGHT HE WAS ALREADY HANDSOME AND NOW HE’S MORE HANDSOME?
– No, but why does he look like that? It’s infuriating.
As Zeno strode toward the stage, it felt like a microphone suddenly amplified the cheers. The crowd hadn’t screamed like this since the show started.
One by one, heads turned in his direction, necks craning, people whispering.
“He’s really…”
“I saw the drama, and I thought it was all filters, but—what the heck, he’s even more handsome in real life?”
“He’s like a sculpted oil painting. Who made this man?”
His fitted black-on-black ensemble shimmered under the spotlight.
And then, the camera cut to the jumbo screen above.
Gasps spread across the venue because, somehow, the big screen made him look even more devastating.
The angle, the lighting, the glint in his eyes—everything added up to a visual punch that knocked the breath out of the audience.
The camera operator caught the stunned reactions of other actors and influencers. A well-known director in the crowd was already scribbling on a notepad. Influencers whispered among themselves, wide-eyed.
“Zeno Han just raised the bar for red carpet visuals.”
“My whole aesthetic changed after seeing that face.”
“Model? No. Visual menace.”
“This is not ‘oh he’s attractive’—this is ‘I need to rethink my life.'”
When Zeno reached the mic, there was a brief hush. He adjusted it slightly and cleared his throat.
That’s when his voice was heard through the speakers, spreading through the entire dome.
Compared to his angry drunk character, the cranky doctor, and the cheeky illegitimate prince, his voice was low and calm.
It was effortlessly soothing, like warm rain against glass.
Someone in the front row audibly gasped while a staff member behind Phoenix clutched her chest.
“OKAY, HIS VOICE TOO?”
“His voice sounds like it would tell you everything’s going to be okay after a breakup.”
Zeno blinked at the crowd once.
He looked out over the sea of people watching him—actors, directors, idols, fans, and legends.
Everyone thought he was thinking about something deep and profound; however, there was only one thought in his mind.
Should I make them cry now?
It was one of his missions, but honestly, it would be weird to start with a tear-jerking speech when the show had just started.
With that, he shrugged.
Based on statistics, he would win the Best Supporting Actor, too, so that might be the best chance to bust out a touching speech.
So, instead, he leaned toward the mic and said calmly, “Thank you. I didn’t expect this.”
Zeno dipped his head, then delivered a deep, perfectly angled bow. He stayed like that for a few seconds to show that he was truly thankful.
“I’ll keep doing my best. Thank you.”
He stepped back from the mic, hands by his sides, and walked off stage just as the camera followed him.
The producers were startled and the hosts were shocked. The onlookers, too, found it ridiculous.
– That’s… it?
– That’s 13 words in total.
– HAHAHA, and it was said for over 12 seconds. That’s the best speech of the night.
– Is Zeno serious?
His fellow cast members also turned to each other in surprise, then they started snickering.
“He’s so strange,” Yuan said, shaking his head. “I love him.”
Others wanted to hear more of his speech. However, Zeno was already gone, slipping behind the curtain to go back to his seat.
While most comments were amused, there were also a few party-poopers who over-analyze everything.
– Bro really said ‘thx lol’ and dipped.
– Maybe he didn’t want it?
– People find it funny, but I find it disrespectful.
– Here comes the fun police.
– Yeah, he’s ungrateful. It should have gone to a more deserving candidate.
Even inside the venue, there was a shift in the air. While some chuckled at his bluntness, others frowned, whispering to each other.
Phoenix, still standing at the side of the stage with Sora Kim, let out a small, audible scoff.
“Ungrateful,” he muttered under his breath.
– Did Phoenix just call him ungrateful?
– I’m an expert at reading lips. He definitely said it!
– Not ya’ll stirring up drama.
– Nah, there’s something there.
– Phoenix is his senior, and he has been in the industry for much longer. Zeno should listen to him.
– Phoenix only appeared in the industry last year. You’re acting like he has a decade’s worth of experience.
Meanwhile, Zeno had already returned to his seat, surrounded by the cast of The Forsaken Prince. Risa was subtly watching him with wide eyes, and Oska occasionally glanced over but quickly turned away whenever their eyes met.
Zeno, for his part, tuned it all out.
He had his first award. That was one part of his first mission.
Three more to go… supposedly.
The second he thought about it, his stomach churned again.
Four awards? In one night? That was something Avalis would do just to mess with him.
The lights dimmed again.
Sora’s voice echoed smoothly across the room. “Up next, the award for Best New Actress.”
Applause rolled through the venue, and Zeno relaxed in his seat. He leaned back slightly.
Nominee clips rolled on screen. Zeno nodded slowly to himself. But he wasn’t paying full attention. He let the applause take over, his gaze drifting slightly toward the ceiling lights.
“—and the winner for Best New Actress is…”
Zeno clapped politely, joining the rest of the room, but his mind had already moved on.
The next category was called forward with fanfare.
Sora spoke again, with a bit of pep this time.
“Now, this next award is for Best Influencer of the Year! Determined by Sigmoid, TikTak, and all major platforms, we’ve compiled trends, engagement data, and total public buzz.”
He reached for the drink beside him, unsure why this one was causing his spine to stiffen. He wasn’t an influencer.
The nominees were all artists with Sigmoid accounts, so it seemed that everyone had a chance as long as they created enough buzz on these social media sites.
“…and the winner for Best Influencer of the Year is…
“Zeno Han!”
The room burst into applause again.
And Zeno was caught in the middle of a sip.
At that moment, the camera had already locked in on him again.