Chapter 86: "What reward do you want?"

Since Zhou Ran was nominated for six awards and won all six, the internet has been ablaze with discussions about him. At this moment, Zhou Ran has become synonymous with popularity—no matter the topic, just add his name and you'll draw attention. Some of his fans even compiled a list of all the accolades and records Zhou Ran has achieved since his debut.

Champion of "Who Is King of Song"!
First to debut with a landslide, winning with twenty-one million, three hundred sixteen thousand, six hundred sixty-six votes!
Fastest to break the record for a million album sales!
Dominated the national music charts for a month!
Best Newcomer in Mandarin!
Best Composer in Mandarin!
Best Lyricist in Mandarin!
Best Album in Mandarin!
Best Male Singer in Mandarin!
Best Single in Mandarin!
Pioneer of Chinese Folk!

Seeing these achievements all together is nothing short of astonishing. Zhou Ran has only been in the industry for a few months, yet has already accomplished so many miracles.

Any one of these feats would be remarkable for another artist, yet Zhou Ran managed to attain them all at once, leaving many in awe and even a little intimidated. People can't help but wonder what kind of prodigy he is to possess such extraordinary talent!

Moreover, Zhou Ran has one major advantage—his youth. He is only eighteen, and if he maintains this momentum, he'll become a top figure in the entertainment industry long before he turns thirty. His age gives him an incredible edge; even those with similar achievements are at least in their forties or fifties. In other words, Zhou Ran has time on his side—he can simply outlast them. Youth is a precious asset, offering endless possibilities and countless chances to learn from mistakes; if he errs, he simply starts anew.

While the internet was frantically discussing Zhou Ran, the man himself was struggling to carry six trophies as he climbed into Li Mi's car.

Li Mi couldn't help but burst into laughter as she watched Zhou Ran haul all six trophies into the car. And who could blame her?

Zhou Ran looked utterly ridiculous, like a trophy wholesaler. Li Mi half expected him to offer a friend a trophy at a discount, all officially certified.

"Well then, Xiao Ran, how does it feel to win so many awards? Any words you'd like to share?" Li Mi, seeing Zhou Ran's current state, couldn't resist interviewing him.

"Oh, Sister Mi, stop teasing me! I ran back and forth to the stage five or six times today—I'm practically worn out. Who knew an award ceremony would require so much running? It felt like a workout!" Zhou Ran, seated in the car, began pouring out his grievances to Li Mi.

Li Mi rolled her eyes at him.

His complaints were somewhat absurd. If outsiders heard him, they'd be infuriated—he was whining about things others can only dream of having. It almost seemed a bit callous.

But when Li Mi glanced back, she saw Zhou Ran stifling a laugh, and realized he was only pretending.

"So that's how it is, Zhou Ran! You tricked me! Just wait until I get my hands on you!" Li Mi turned and gave Zhou Ran a gentle smack in mock punishment.

"Hahaha! You finally caught me! How was my acting, Sister Mi?" Zhou Ran dropped the pretense and laughed heartily. After all, inside their own car, he could be as carefree as he liked.

"Honestly, why are you laughing so loud!" Li Mi was a little exasperated, seeing Zhou Ran discard all pretense of being an idol. Yet as she spoke, she too began to laugh.

The awards Zhou Ran won today had genuinely surprised Li Mi. She expected him to take at least two or three, but never imagined he'd sweep all six nominations. Even with the company's efforts, it ultimately came down to Zhou Ran's talent. The company's support was only an assist.

After winning, Zhou Ran was anything but unhappy—he was overjoyed. Any complaints he voiced were just minor annoyances accompanying his happiness, the sort others could only wish to experience.

"Alright, alright. Where are you off to next? Tonight, Sister Mi is treating you!" After a short bout of laughter, they returned to normal. A little emotional release in the car was harmless, but endless laughter would be a bit odd.

"Seriously? You're treating me to dinner, Sister Mi?" Zhou Ran's eyes lit up at the prospect of a free meal.

He pondered for a moment.

"Let's go to Star City and eat at the breakfast place downstairs from the company—the one I used to frequent as a trainee," Zhou Ran finally decided. He wanted to revisit the breakfast shop he used to eat at when he was starting out.

"Wait, you want to go to Star City for breakfast?" Li Mi could hardly believe it, repeating his words for confirmation.

"Yes, that's exactly what I want," Zhou Ran replied, nodding.

"Fine, only if you don't mind the trip. Let's head to the airport and buy tickets for Star City, my dear ancestor!" Li Mi agreed, though she was a bit speechless. She was only worried Zhou Ran might be too tired.

After all, Zhou Ran had spent the entire day at the awards ceremony without much rest, so Li Mi feared he might not be able to handle the journey.