Chapter 666 - 662: Golden Magpie Award Red Carpet

The cast gathered at the start of the red carpet. After the actors found their designated spots, they posed together before stepping onto the carpet.

The director and screenwriter occupied the center positions, flanked by the male and female leads, Gideon Hale and Yuna Sutton. Sophie Grant and Andrew Sutton were at the ends, leaving Lily Sterling on the outermost edge.

In the entertainment industry, positions are determined by one’s status. Standing in the wrong spot, whether intentionally or by accident, would get you called out and condemned by netizens online.

But today, Lily Sterling was simply dazzling. Her dress, her accessories, and even her hair and makeup all elevated her beauty to unprecedented heights.

So, even though she was on the fringe, the reporters’ cameras all swiveled to focus on her in unison.

"Lily Sterling, look to your right!"

"Lily Sterling, to the left, to the left! Give us a smile!"

"Lily Sterling, look back! You look gorgeous!"

In the middle of the red carpet was the photo op area for the media, where everyone would strike poses for the press on either side.

Lily Sterling remembered what Ms. Leila Smithson had said. ’Today, I have to be bold and show myself off with confidence!’

The fans on the sidelines were completely captivated by her beauty!

"Holy shit, Lily Sterling is killing it today!"

"What a beautiful dress! What a commanding presence! I wasn’t on board with her and Andrew’s CP before, but right now, I’m officially announcing my approval of this marriage!"

"Lily Sterling’s look today is so stunning! Definitely the best of the night. She’s so beautiful! Shutterbugs, get snapping!"

Amid the cheers and applause, the entire cast reached the signing board at the end of the red carpet, wrote their names, and then proceeded to the interview area.

The host’s attention was also entirely on Lily Sterling. She was undoubtedly the most buzzworthy and exciting person to interview today, but according to convention, the host had to proceed in order.

"Director Cole, your cast is truly full of handsome men and beautiful women, and you’ve been nominated for multiple Golden Magpie Awards this year. What would you like to say about that?"

The director, looking proud and spirited, took the microphone and gave a very official-sounding response: "In previous years, it was rare for an Ancient Idol Drama to be nominated for professional awards, let alone multiple ones. This year, *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix* is delighted to have received seven nominations, which shows that our significant investment has achieved its desired results. I’d like to thank the committee and the judges for their recognition."

The host then turned to interview Yuna Sutton and Gideon Hale. The male and female leads hadn’t received nominations this year; they were attending the awards ceremony at the invitation of the organizers. It was also part of the post-release promotion for the drama, meant to generate buzz for the cast.

Next up was Sophie Grant, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress alongside Lily Sterling.

"Sophie, you’ve already won a Golden Magpie for Best Supporting Actress once before. Now that you’re nominated again, are you confident you can clinch another victory?"

Sophie Grant took the microphone, pursing her lips into a smile as she shook her head. "Honestly, no. But I’m staying hopeful."

Those in the know understood. Winning a professional award for a second time was incredibly difficult, and since Sophie Grant had just won one two years ago, it was even more of a long shot.

So Sophie Grant knew she most likely wouldn’t win this year, but she was already thrilled just to be nominated a second time for a role in an Ancient Idol Drama.

The host asked again, "So besides yourself, who are you rooting for this year?"

"Of course I’m rooting for our Lily!" Sophie Grant said with a smile, lightly draping her arm over Lily Sterling’s shoulder. "I hope Lily can win."

The topic naturally shifted to Lily Sterling, and the host, who had been waiting impatiently, looked at her and asked, "Lily, you look absolutely stunning today. I was dumbstruck when I saw you walking over just now. And just a moment ago on the red carpet, Jett Hughes explicitly said he’s banking on you to win. Now even Sophie, who’s nominated alongside you, is hoping you win. What about you? Are you confident?"

’Of course, Lily desperately wanted it.’ But she knew she couldn’t flaunt her ambition so openly on an occasion like this. At least, not yet. She didn’t have that kind of confidence.

So, after taking the microphone, she said softly, "First, I’d like to thank Ms. Leila Smithson for custom-making this gown for me. I personally love it very much. This is my first time wearing haute couture, so honestly, I’m more excited than nervous."

Lily very cleverly thanked Leila Smithson first before answering the host’s question. "I’d also like to thank Mr. Jett Hughes and Sophie for their support. As for myself, let’s just say I’m staying hopeful."

’Extremely, extremely hopeful.’

But as soon as she finished, Andrew Sutton, who was standing beside her, snatched the microphone. He spoke directly into it, saying, "I support Lily, too. She’s a very dedicated and professional actor."

Andrew Sutton’s move sent the fans in the crowd into another round of frenzied screams and cheers.

At the same time, related hashtags like "Lily Sterling’s Stunning Red Carpet Look," "Lily Sterling Wears Custom Leila Smithson on Red Carpet," "Lily Sterling’s Haute Couture Debut," as well as "Sophie Grant Hopes Lily Sterling Wins" and "Andrew Sutton Supports Lily Sterling’s Win" all shot to the top of the trending lists on major media platforms.

After entering the venue, the cast found their seats weren’t scattered. Instead, they were grouped together by production in one area: the third row, toward the left side.

"Lily, you look so beautiful today!" Once they were seated, Yuna Sutton finally had a chance to pull Lily aside to chat. Her eyes immediately landed on the jewelry she was wearing. "Wow, this jewelry set is even more stunning in person! I’ve seen it in the official videos. Did your company borrow it for you?"

Sophie Grant leaned in as well. "That’s from Cartier’s high jewelry collection, right? I saw it too. That set costs a fortune! Your company is really something else, Lily."

Yuna Sutton nodded. "And the exclusive haute couture from Ms. Leila Smithson. I heard people from our company tried to contact her and were rejected outright. So it was your company that snagged the exclusive for you."

"An exclusive from Ms. Leila Smithson?" Sophie Grant shook her head in amazement. "Lily, you’re incredible. Your company is really willing to invest in you. I remember Heather only got to wear one of Ms. Leila Smithson’s haute couture pieces when she was at the peak of her fame."

Lily was a little embarrassed by the praise, but she didn’t shy away from explaining, "Actually, my sister helped me."

Her sister’s identity had been exposed during a livestream that the whole internet had seen, so everyone pretty much knew. Lily felt there was no need to be secretive and avoid the topic, as that would only make her look guiltier.

Yuna Sutton and Sophie Grant were both taken aback for a moment, not expecting Lily to be so direct about it.

Since Lily had brought it up herself, the other two didn’t feel the need to be discreet anymore. Yuna Sutton lowered her voice and said, "Lily, your sister must be really amazing. I was actually wondering about it earlier. Knowing Ms. Leila Smithson’s personality, it can’t be easy to negotiate an exclusive."

Sophie Grant added, "Seeing the jewelry and accessories Lily is wearing today—if she can get her hands on these, it’s no wonder Ms. Leila Smithson would give her an exclusive."

And when Lily mentioned her sister, Gideon Hale, who was sitting two seats away, happened to overhear. He subconsciously turned his head to glance at Lily but didn’t say anything more.