Chapter 93

The Baeksang Arts Awards, the only comprehensive art award in South Korea, is often referred to as the "Oscar" of Korea. It was founded in 1965 with the aim of promoting the development of Korean popular culture and arts and boosting the morale of artists. The awards are given to films and television shows that were released or aired between May 1st of the previous year and March 31st of the current year, recognizing outstanding performances by creators and actors. Li Zhong's "The Chaser" just made it in time for this year's Baeksang Arts Awards, the 44th edition.

"Li Zhong, congratulations! Even if you win just one award, it will be more than worth it!" Zhang Xun said enviously. As a director himself, Zhang Xun was envious that Li Zhong was about to achieve both fame and fortune with just one film. The box office earnings were increasingly substantial, and with six nominations for the Baeksang Arts Awards, he was sure to win at least one.

"Hehe, just lucky, just lucky," Li Zhong only smiled foolishly, as this was truly a huge surprise. Although it was just a nomination, the journey to make the film had been fraught with difficulties. Unable to secure funding, he had to produce it as an independent film. The film was rated as restricted, and Li Zhong had even pushed the rating to the highest level. Upon its release, it went head-to-head with a Hollywood blockbuster, but "The Chaser" soared after the first week.

"Taking advantage of the situation, you still act so modest. You better hurry up and finish the film before the Baeksang Arts Awards, or you won't be allowed to attend the ceremony," Zhang Xun patted Li Zhong and said with a smile.

"Sure, no problem! But give me ten minutes, I need to inform everyone. Since we have this honor, no one should be left out," Li Zhong said to Zhang Xun and then called Kim Yun-seok and Ha Jung-woo.

"Hey, Brother Yun-seok, guess what good news I have for you!" Li Zhong said cheerfully as soon as Kim Yun-seok answered the phone.

Kim Yun-seok was puzzled. When had Li Zhong ever had good news? Every piece of news from him was like a small bomb. He didn't know how he ended up in "The Chaser" and, until now, no other producer had approached him for a role. "What, Director Li, did you get your pay, and you want to give me a big red envelope?" Kim Yun-seok said with a smile.

"Hehe, that's a small thing. I have a bigger red envelope for you!" Li Zhong laughed.

"Alright, stop being mysterious. What is it? You're not planning to ask me to act again, are you?" Kim Yun-seok thought it was quite possible.

"Not at all. I'm working hard under Director Zhang Xun right now, where would I have the time to start a new film? I'm calling to tell you that you've been nominated for Best Actor at the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards," Li Zhong said solemnly.

"Ah... You... Say that again..." Kim Yun-seok's voice trembled.

"Um, I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. You've been nominated for Best Actor at the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards!" Li Zhong himself had a hard time believing it at first.

"Are you kidding me?" Kim Yun-seok asked again.

Li Zhong thought, "Is my credibility that bad?" "No, I'm not kidding. The Baeksang Arts Awards committee just called me, telling me that 'The Chaser' has received six nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, Best New Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Popularity. Both you and Brother Ha Jung-woo have been nominated for Best Actor." Li Zhong found it increasingly unbelievable as he spoke, even doubting himself at the end.

"Good, good, good! Director Li Zhong, this is great news. You should treat us to a meal!" Kim Yun-seok was also getting more and more excited.

"Sure, I was planning to gather everyone today for a big meal to celebrate," Li Zhong had already planned this.

Li Zhong then called Ha Jung-woo, who also didn't believe it at first, thinking Li Zhong was joking. But when he heard Li Zhong's explanation, he started to believe it. Li Zhong then called everyone in the studio, some believed him, some were skeptical, but everyone agreed to have dinner together that evening.

In the afternoon, the Baeksang Arts Awards committee announced all the nominations for the 44th edition. Li Zhong's "The Chaser" led with six nominations, followed by "The Best Moment of My Life" with four nominations. At this point, everyone realized that Li Zhong had been telling the truth, and "The Chaser" had quietly reached this level.

That evening, Li Zhong hosted everyone at a barbecue restaurant. Everyone was extremely excited, including Kim Yun-seok and Ha Jung-woo. Xu Yingji even tried to get Li Zhong drunk, but her drinking capacity was not up to par, and she quickly gave up. Everyone took turns, and Li Zhong was eventually completely drunk. Kim Yun-seok and Ha Jung-woo also drank a lot.

"Really going to do that? Nothing will go wrong, right?" Kim Yun-seok asked, his face red.

"No problem, last time she came to take Li Zhong home, so this time it will be fine," Gao Changjian had paid a high price to get Li Zhong drunk again, even using his brother Gao Changyang as a scapegoat and drinking a lot himself.

At the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, Gao Changjian watched the disappearing taillights and silently said to himself, "I can only help you this much. If you like him so much, why don't you make a move?" Gao Changjian shook his head with a bitter smile, then turned to help his brother, who was about to fall asleep on the ground, and called a taxi to go home.

Li Zhong felt he was in a familiar embrace, as if he had been in it before. He snuggled closer, found a comfortable position, and continued to sleep.

When Gao Changjian called, Seo Eun-ri was looking at the Baeksang Arts Awards official website. She also had a nomination, for Best Popularity Female Actor. Compared to Li Zhong's six nominations, Seo Eun-ri was genuinely happy for him. This was a well-deserved reward. Not only had "The Chaser" been a box office success, but it also had a chance to win awards, which would have an immeasurable impact on Li Zhong's future ability to secure funding. Who wouldn't want their investment to be both profitable and prestigious?

Gao Changjian's call was short: "Director Li Zhong is drunk again. You need to take him home."

In fact, Seo Eun-ri later learned from Li Zhong that a few of the guys knew where he lived, but they were happy to be vague, and she didn't blame them. After all, it was a good opportunity. Last time, she had heard something from Li Zhong, and this time...

When she arrived at Li Zhong's apartment, Seo Eun-ri had to use all her strength to get Li Zhong upstairs. When she opened the door, she noticed a small bag at the entrance. Curious, she opened it and found a few packets of what looked like drinks. She thought Li Zhong must have ordered them from somewhere and threw them into the apartment with him.

As soon as the door to Li Zhong's apartment closed, the door opposite opened. Kwon Yu-ri saw the yam juice being taken away and smiled. But she also smelled a strong smell of alcohol. "Director Li drank so much again?"

Kwon Yu-ri remembered Li Zhong's pitiful state last time, bit her lip, and took a towel to Li Zhong's apartment...

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