Chapter 122
“Renly, are you listening?” Renly, bathed in the radiant orange sunlight streaming through the window, seemed momentarily lost in thought. Andy had to pause his words and ask aloud.
Renly lowered his gaze, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yes, I’m listening. You’re saying not to set high expectations tonight, to relax and attend the Emmys with an open mind, and to enjoy the evening to the fullest.” He turned to Andy, his eyes seeking confirmation.
Andy nodded in agreement. “What were you looking at? So lost in thought?”
“The sunlight. Los Angeles sunsets have this unique shade of orange that’s so different from New York,” Renly replied, his gaze returning to the window. The lazy afternoon sunlight burned brightly on the horizon, painting the entire sky with its warm hues. At the same time, in New York, night had already descended, enveloping the city in deep navy hues. Renly could vividly picture the evening skyline as it unfolded back east.
The three-hour time difference gave the two coasts of the U.S. strikingly contrasting appearances, which was also why the scheduling of nationally televised award ceremonies always felt intriguing.
Typically, the red carpet begins around 8 p.m. Eastern time—or even earlier. By the time the four-hour-long ceremony concludes, it’s past midnight. This excessive length is one of the Oscars’ perennial criticisms. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the festivities start around 5 p.m. local time. By the ceremony’s end, it’s still evening, leaving plenty of time for after-parties and celebrations to continue late into the night.
Tonight, the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards were kicking off at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre. Renly and Andy had flown into the City of Angels two days ago, specifically to attend the first award ceremony of Renly’s acting career. (T/N – Today Nokia Theatre is known as Peacock Theater)
“Isn’t it fascinating?” Renly’s lips curved into a soft smile. “When New York is about to sit down for dinner, Los Angeles is already starting its award shows. I’m worried about one thing, though—what if I get hungry halfway through the ceremony?”
According to tradition, the awards typically ended around 9 p.m. Los Angeles time, well after most people had finished dinner.