Celebrity Neighbor: My girlfriend is a big star?
Chapter 152. His Awakening (Subscribe! Monthly Votes!)

Chapter 152: 152. His Awakening (Subscribe! Monthly Votes!)

If only it were that simple.

It’s not that he didn’t believe in San Ren and Lao E... it’s just that it all seemed too absurd and far-fetched.

Putting himself in their shoes, if one day San Ren introduced a big celebrity to him and said that she was his girlfriend, his first reaction would likely be to pinch himself to see if he were dreaming.

Liu Xin’an stiffened his neck and gave an answer that countless up-and-coming creators despise.

"Next time! Definitely next time!"

Seeing that Liu Xin’an wasn’t happy, Lao E and San Ren didn’t push it further.

If they don’t want to eat together, then so be it. It seems Liu Xin’an really treasures his girlfriend... Could it be he’s found someone quite peculiar?

"Buzz~"

"It’s about to start, are all the rookies here?"

The buzz of the crowd signaled the formal beginning of the 2020 Top 100 Up Ceremony.

Liu Xin’an quickly composed himself; he was about to go on stage, so he needed to adjust his mood.

However, San Ren and Lao E were much more at ease, especially San Ren, who had recently garnered a lot of attention and participated in numerous shows, even appearing on TV variety programs. He was steadily making his way down the path of transformation.

Yes, definitely a senior!

There was a small TV backstage for them to watch the live situation.

As the lights came on, the stage filled with a crowd of spectators made Liu Xin’an’s body tremble.

Strictly speaking, he was just socially anxious in front of the camera, unable to let go.

And this year, there was no mask to hide behind...

Liu Xin’an glanced at the small TV mask beside him and swallowed hard.

Maybe... I should wear the mask this year too?

Better not; he had just made a resolution. It wouldn’t do to chicken out so easily.

Liu Xin’an forced himself to buck up.

He didn’t know how long it took, but eventually, Liu Xin’an’s mood calmed down.

The rookie Up masters were still smiling and sharing their acceptance speeches in front of the camera.

Just as he was watching intently, a magnetic voice sounded next to him.

"Anzi-ge, we should get ready too."

Liu Xin’an turned to look at Mianhua, who was a popular gaming host and one of the three Up masters awarded the Annual Livestream Popularity Award along with Liu Xin’an this time.

"Is it our turn?"

"As soon as they finish, it’ll be us. Let’s go."

"Okay."

Liu Xin’an took a deep breath, fully calming his mood, then followed Mianhua towards the stage.

"Good luck, Lao Liu."

"Don’t be nervous, just pretend you’re still wearing the mask."

"Yeah, Anzi-ge, be careful, there might be female fans rushing up to molest you!"

Some seasoned Top 100 Up masters from last year maliciously teased Liu Xin’an, causing a slightly awkward smile to appear on his face.

But although being ridiculed made him feel embarrassed...

It did help to calm his nerves quite a bit.

Following Mianhua to the entrance, Liu Xin’an could even hear the excited voices of the audience outside.

Seeing Liu Xin’an still a bit nervous, Mianhua gently patted Liu Xin’an’s shoulder.

Strictly speaking, he was actually one of Liu Xin’an’s juniors in the Top 100, but he was a genuinely confident host who could speak confidently in front of the camera, unlike Liu Xin’an, who struggled even to turn on his camera.

"Let’s welcome the 2020 Annual Popular Hosts, Lace, Mianhua Dage, and the introverted Mu’an to the stage to receive their awards~"

With the host Da Zuo’s introduction, Liu Xin’an composed himself, following Lace and Mianhua, walking towards the center stage.

Meanwhile, the camera filming them also moved closer.

Mianhua and Lace naturally waved and greeted the camera, then high-fived the small TV mascot on the side, looking energetic.

However, when the camera reached Liu Xin’an, he didn’t seem to notice it, just staring at the small TV with a thoughtful expression.

The man inside the small TV mascot was also stunned, but remembering how Liu Xin’an wore a mask last year, he instinctively thought Liu Xin’an wanted to grab his mask.

With a pitiful look, the small TV hastily covered its head, leaving Liu Xin’an bewildered.

He stood there dumbfounded until the camera focused on him, and then he managed a somewhat awkward smile.

"Ah~ Anzi-ge is so handsome!"

"Anzi-ge, debut! We’ll support you every day!"

"Anzi-ge, marry me!"

The camera dutifully projected Liu Xin’an’s bewildered expression onto the big screen, and the magnified image of his handsome face elicited excited reactions from the audience.

All of this happened in an instant. Realizing he had fallen behind Mianhua and Lace, Liu Xin’an hurriedly quickened his pace.

Then he took a deep breath and stood next to Mianhua.

―――

"Oh! It’s Liu Xin’an. This kid did pretty well this year, even winning a Livestream Popularity Award."

Li Chenglu naturally reacted immediately upon hearing a familiar ID.

She cheered with the audience first, then realizing she had neglected Bae Juhyun next to her, hurriedly lowered her head to translate for her.

Bae Juhyun was genuinely anxious. She could see her boyfriend’s adorable performance on stage, but the helpless fact was she couldn’t understand a word.

"Did Xin’an win an award? What kind of award?"

"The Livestream Popularity Award. I didn’t think Liu Xin’an could win this. It seems his previous appearance gained him quite a bit of popularity."

"Oh... Is it impressive?"

Bae Juhyun didn’t care about the second half; she just wanted to know if her boyfriend’s award was significant or important, or if it was just a consolation prize.

"Pretty impressive. It means he’s one of the top hosts on the platform."

"Wow~"

Though she didn’t fully understand, that didn’t stop Bae Juhyun from expressing her excitement. She quietly cheered along with the crowd, even trying to shout clumsily in her broken Chinese. Realizing how silly she looked, she blushed deeply and wore an embarrassed expression.

―――

Today’s award presenters included Uncle Dong Hao, who had been a staple of Liu Xin’an’s childhood. Seeing this familiar figure, Liu Xin’an flashed a thrilled smile.

Dong Hao also smiled as he handed a small golden trophy to Liu Xin’an, giving the tall and handsome young man a gentle pat on the back before stepping off the stage, leaving it to the three young hosts.

"Thank you, Uncle Dong Hao. Now, let’s hear from our three popular hosts. First up, Lace. Welcome, Lace."

As Lace started delivering his speech, Liu Xin’an held his small golden trophy, looking at the excited audience, and suddenly thought of Bae Juhyun, who should be watching the livestream on a tablet in the hotel.

Today’s venue could only accommodate a bit over ten thousand live spectators.

And ten thousand... already seemed like a terrifying number to him.

So terrifying, he couldn’t capture all the spectators with one glance.

It was a number that made his heartbeat quicken with anxiety.

But...

On New Year’s Day.

Didn’t he see Bae Juhyun performing in the Seoul arena facing far more spectators than he did now?

The nervous tension gradually left him, and Liu Xin’an clenched the small golden trophy tightly.

He was Bae Juhyun’s boyfriend.

If he panicked under circumstances that wouldn’t even faze Bae Juhyun, how could he find the courage to stand beside a woman admired by millions?

If he couldn’t even manage this...

He’d be truly pathetic.

Ambition is a strange thing.

Mu Shang was right.

He had been in his comfort zone for far too long.

He’d grown accustomed to hiding behind the screen, chatting amicably with those who couldn’t see each other.

His exceptional performance left Liu Xin’an satisfied with the status quo.

He had never thought of taking an extra step forward, and he genuinely didn’t understand why Lofanqie and others were so intent on progressing.

He even thought... they had betrayed their shared hobby.

Only now did he realize who was truly complacent and shortsighted.

Last year’s unintentional appearance had given him a chance to step out of his comfort zone, but he had found excuses to convince himself to give up that opportunity.

And so, he comfortably nestled back into the space that felt safe and enjoyed the adoration from his supporters.

But Bae Juhyun’s presence shattered his illusions about everything.

His proud achievements, the ones he wanted to flaunt, felt like a joke compared to his girlfriend’s.

He’d get tongue-tied in front of the camera, while Bae Juhyun could freely showcase her allure, basking in the affection of countless fans.

The pressure didn’t make him feel suffocated. Instead, it... pushed him out of his comfort zone.

His sickly childhood didn’t lead him to self-pity. Following Li Chenglu’s suggestion, he began nearly 15 years of rigorous training.

Now, the difference in status between Bae Juhyun and him didn’t make him give up either. He wanted to strive.

He should strive.

Not just to catch up with the girl who always snuggled up to him, but for himself as well.

The long-held pressure finally turned into motivation for Liu Xin’an to work hard. His nervousness completely dissipated, and the smile Li Chenglu and Bae Juhyun were familiar with naturally appeared on his handsome face.

His change wasn’t obvious. People unfamiliar with him definitely wouldn’t notice it.

But for Li Chenglu and Bae Juhyun, who were paying close attention to him...

"Chenglu, what’s happening with Xin’an?"

If the previous Liu Xin’an still appeared somewhat timid, the current Liu Xin’an seemed no different from his usual self to Bae Juhyun.

He was humorous, charming, gentle, yet playful.

He radiated a sense of comfort, like a warm spring breeze.

Confused about Liu Xin’an’s sudden change, Bae Juhyun tugged softly at Li Chenglu’s sleeve.

"That kid has finally come around..."

"Hmm? Chenglu? What did you say?"

Li Chenglu hesitated, realizing she had spoken the previous sentence in Chinese, and gave an apologetic smile.

"Nothing, Irene. Liu Xin’an is probably enjoying the stage now. You should understand that feeling, right?"

"Really? He seems just the same as usual to me."

Bae Juhyun didn’t get it; she couldn’t see any difference.

Li Chenglu nodded. The surrounding audience’s noise forced her to get closer to Bae Juhyun.

Finally, an attentive Bae Juhyun heard Li Chenglu’s following words.

"Because this guy always enjoys his time with you. That’s why you don’t feel he’s changed."

"...Huh?"

Bae Juhyun’s beautiful eyes sparkled with surprise, but soon, that surprise was washed away by joy.