Chapter 78: Arrogant Yet Justified

"I hereby announce that this year’s Best Album award goes to Zhou Ran, for his album 'Departure!'"

"Let’s congratulate Zhou Ran!"

As Zuo Zhong read out Zhou Ran’s name as the winner, the audience erupted in astonishment, a wave of disbelief sweeping through the crowd. Many wondered if their ears were playing tricks on them—how could Zhou Ran’s name be called yet again?

Meanwhile, viewers in the livestream chat exploded with excitement.

"Oh my god! Zhou Ran, what are you doing!"
"How is it you again! My precious Ran!"
"This is the fourth award! Only two more to go to sweep all the nominations."
"Are you about to make history, Ran?"
"Who else? Seriously, who else?"
"Come on, anyone care to comment?"
"Those who said they’d raise all kinds of flags if Zhou Ran won six awards better get ready—at this rate, he’ll have them all in no time."

Zhou Ran sat in his seat, feeling numb as Zuo Zhong once more pronounced his name. He was a little dazed.

"Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?"

A sense of bewilderment washed over him; the scene felt eerily familiar.

"Let’s congratulate Zhou Ran on winning Best Album! Let’s give him some applause!" Seeing Zhou Ran lost in thought, Zuo Zhong smiled gently and spoke up, reminding him not to remain in a stupor.

Prompted by Zuo Zhong, Zhou Ran finally snapped back to reality and began his fourth trip up to the stage that night.

What Zhou Ran didn’t notice was Ji Song, sitting beside him, watching with a worried expression. Zhou Ran’s win for Best Album meant it was unlikely he’d take home this year’s Best Single award. Tradition dictated that the same person wouldn’t win both Best Album and Best Single.

As the song "A Laugh Amidst the Vast Seas" played, Zhou Ran ascended the stage. The music lent him an aura of a returning king—tonight, he truly dominated the screen.

Out of fewer than ten awards presented, Zhou Ran alone had claimed four. Words could hardly describe the absurdity of his achievements that evening.

He didn’t linger with his acceptance speech, offering only a few words.

"Thank you for your support. I feel just like the album’s title—'Departure.'"

"This album is only a starting point. It’s not my destination. I will surpass it and reach even greater heights."

When Zhou Ran finished, the hall fell briefly silent, the crowd struck by the force of his words.

"So this is just the beginning? What’s your goal then—world’s number one? Can’t you be a bit more humble, give others a chance?"

"We know you’re amazing, but couldn’t you leave a little dignity for the veterans?"

After the moment’s hush, Zuo Zhong, the presenter, was the first to applaud Zhou Ran’s bold and confident speech.

Having heard Zhou Ran’s words, Zuo Zhong felt even more satisfied with the young man before him. In his mind, youth should be bold—what’s the point of pretending to be worldly before your time? Youth is meant for trial and error.

Moreover, Zhou Ran’s confidence wasn’t baseless; he had the prowess to back it up. Confidence rooted in strength is admirable; arrogance without substance is just hubris.

As Zuo Zhong began to clap, the other guests in the audience followed suit. After all, when the big names applaud, everyone else follows.

Whether their applause was heartfelt or whether Zhou Ran’s words struck a nerve, at that moment, they all applauded him.

Standing on stage, Zhou Ran calmly accepted their ovation.

He claimed he didn’t want to come up again, that he was exhausted, but his words belied his demeanor; he was clearly enjoying the applause. Tonight, he was the brightest star at the ceremony—no matter how others felt, they couldn’t escape his brilliance.

Through these repeated speeches, Zhou Ran’s attitude had quietly shifted—from earnest words at first, to reading the script provided by Li Mi, and now, to speaking freely, saying whatever came to mind without concern.

Many livestream viewers were fully captivated by his remarks—some became instant fans, enchanted by his boldness.

"Ahhh! Instant fan! So handsome!"

"Zhou Ran, could you be even more arrogant?"

"You are so cool, Zhou Ran! I love it!"

"How did I never notice Zhou Ran’s dominant side before?"

"Brother, I can handle this!"

"Oh my god, what a powerful acceptance speech! Yet no one can refute what Zhou Ran said."

"Honestly, Zhou Ran just stated the facts—and he’s so cool!"

"Standing before you is the Golden Melody Award winner, Best New Artist, Best Composer, Best Lyricist, Best Album recipient, the original music overlord Zhou Xiao Ran!"

At that moment, Zhang Xiaofeng, watching Zhou Ran’s award ceremony on the big screen with the 'Drummer' crew, was blushing furiously, clearly overwhelmed by Zhou Ran’s words.

Seeing Zhou Ran speak, Zhang Xiaofeng felt her perception of him transform. He was nothing like the quiet, gentle Zhou Ran she knew—more like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

In that instant, he shed the disguise, revealing his fierce ambition.

Yet Zhang Xiaofeng wasn’t frightened by this side of Zhou Ran; on the contrary, she felt even more exhilarated.

She couldn’t help but imagine Zhou Ran, with that bold expression, walking beside her, talking, or pinning her against a wall to confess his feelings.

"Ahhh! I can’t take it anymore!" Just the thought of that look on Zhou Ran’s face was nearly too much for Zhang Xiaofeng to handle.