Xia Siyu deliberately pouted and refused, "How old are you that you still can’t bathe alone?"

Bo Yan completely ignored her resistance and directly picked her up, Xia Siyu continued to feign coyness, "No, no!"

**

The news was relayed back home, marking the first time in many years that a Chinese national, a pure Chinese-language film, won the top prize at one of the three major European awards, instantly becoming a hot topic. With the inherent popularity of Bo Yan and Xia Siyu, there was no need to buy hot search; it naturally topped the charts. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Especially with the chairman of the jury giving high praise to the two leading actors. Although neither of them won individual awards, what could be more exciting than the top prize? For a time, the two groups of fervently insulting fans of Bo Yan and Xia Siyu even paused their rivalry to celebrate together.

Numerous media outlets wanted to interview the two, but both Xia Siyu and Bo Yan declined politely. Xia Siyu stated that she was on her way back to Canada to shoot a film and couldn’t participate in interviews conveniently. Meanwhile, Bo Yan, through Song Fengzhi, indicated that he was engaged in some commercial activities and didn’t have the time.

However, there was no way Bo Yan wasn’t prepared. He had already instructed Song Fengzhi to prepare several different statements. If only a written interview was required, he had Song Fengzhi categorize and send the prepared responses to those media outlets.

Of course, besides the voices of joy, there were also discordant notes.

For example, some questioned why, when Bo Yan and Xia Siyu took the stage, one spoke in English and the other in Italian, but nobody spoke Chinese. Is Chinese unpleasant to hear, or unfit for a grand occasion?

Initially, it was just a few forums questioning. Later, marketing accounts picked it up and moved it to Weibo and Douyin. It wasn’t clear who bought the hot search for it, but it quickly gained traction.

Especially in recent years, cultural confidence has become a significant issue, instantly touching the sensitive nerves of many.

Of course, there were fans who pushed back fiercely, arguing that Bo Yan communicates in English without barriers, which is excellent on an international stage. Moreover, he speaks without any accent, in a native and fluent manner. Other artists might be criticized for speaking a few accented sentences, but even when Bo Yan is so fluent, he gets flak — they really didn’t understand this behavior. Have they gone patriotically insane?

As for Xia Siyu, she already mentioned during her introduction that she grew up in Italy, and since the Golden Lion Awards are held in Venice, is it a problem for her to speak Italian? She’s good at English too and can even translate on-site for Director Sun. How many artists have such a skill?

Bo Yan was originally a university lecturer, so being fluent in English isn’t particularly odd. What is striking is that Xia Siyu, previously criticized as uneducated, can communicate seamlessly in English, Italian, and French, and even knows Latin. Mastering four foreign languages is nothing short of genius, right?

Among those who usually diss her as ignorant, how many are even university graduates? And even with a degree, how many can converse in English with foreigners smoothly? Her skill points are clearly maxed out in language, not in those so-called "common knowledge" areas.

In any case, now that they’ve won an award, the spotlight is bright, and many are willing to speak up for them. Especially since Xia Siyu’s "Divine Catcher" gained quite a fanbase, who are fiercely supportive. Even though they had been admonished for past quarrels with Bo Yan’s fans, winning an award is positive news and gives sufficient grounds for favorable publicity.

Xia Siyu remained unaware of these disputes, as Wei Jingjing didn’t tell her.

It wasn’t a big deal anyway, and even if told, Xia Siyu might not care.

As for Bo Yan, the wide-ranging discussion of this topic was propelled by his behind-the-scenes support. He even specifically directed Song Fengzhi to amplify the buzz.

He had also invested in "Spring Light", not just foregoing filming fees in exchange for stock, but he and Han Yifan’s company were also co-producers, holding a significant share.

Now that the top award was won and the dragon seal secured, the film was ready to be released anytime. Before winning the award, distributors might have been hesitant to promote it significantly based solely on the fame of Bo Yan and Xia Siyu. Winning the award, while a good promotional point, doesn’t guarantee an influx of viewers rushing to theaters for the award alone.

But at this moment, stirring up this topic brings in more participants, broadening the audience reach, equivalent to one massive free promotion. Moreover, winning a top award acts as a Death Exemption Token; the review department won’t impose restrictions on its release. With recent years seeing a depressing scene in Chinese films, overshadowed by neighboring Goryeo and neon, this award will prompt the media bureau to offer some positive promotion too.

Even if it was known that someone was stirring up this topic from behind, as long as it didn’t go too far, the authorities wouldn’t intervene.

This was precisely the strategic value Bo Yan saw, which led him to have Song Fengzhi closely monitor the situation.

With the award won, it’s now the box office that matters.

**

Xia Siyu cared little about these complexities; she wasn’t interested. As far as she was concerned, once the award ceremony concluded the previous night, the movie had temporarily been moved aside in her schedule. Even if promotions are needed after its release, she’d simply let her team handle it since she’s abroad.

The weather was clear and calm that day. She got up early and boarded the gondola with Bo Yan to tour Venice.

To truly appreciate Venice, touring by boat is the best choice. While the old town also offers a walking route leading to St. Mark’s Basilica, traveling by boat allows one to traverse the city’s streets and alleys, especially its most famous landmarks—bridges.

Venice features more than four hundred bridges. Among them, the most famous is the "Bridge of Sighs". Countless literary figures have left their footprints here. Though in essence similar to Bastille Prison, this bridge was once a path for convicts headed to execution, which is why it’s called "Sighs". Later, a legend emerged that couples kissing beneath the bridge would be blessed with eternal love.

Because of such tales, the bridge has become a must-see route for every boat-rider in Venice. Especially on Sundays, visitors are numerous. While queuing up, Xia Siyu spotted several couples ahead passionately kissing as their gondola passed beneath the bridge’s arch.

Of course, Xia Siyu didn’t believe in such tales. She glanced at Bo Yan and mockingly pointed at those couples. Bo Yan remarked, "Actually, our country has a similar legend. In Gusu, which is somewhat like Venice, it’s said that couples who cross every bridge there receive blessings and grow old together."

"Is that so?" Xia Siyu was curious, but when their boat passed under the Bridge of Sighs, she remained still and composed. Instead, Bo Yan leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek.