Chapter Forty-Three: Meeting the Celebrity Again

The woman in white smiled gracefully, walking into the hall amid the cheers and applause of the crowd. A moderately well-known male host from the national television station, holding a wireless microphone, stepped beside her and shouted loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen! Please quiet down, everyone, quiet down!”

At his urging, the hall gradually fell silent. With a radiant smile, the host continued, “Today is the birthday of our dear friend, the lovely and beautiful sprite, the pure and noble angel, Miss Xu Shu. Let’s give her a warm round of applause and invite Miss Xu Shu to share her birthday reflections with us. What do you say?”

“Yes!” countless voices called out, and applause erupted once more.

The woman in white accepted the microphone with poise and a gentle smile, scanning her surroundings as she spoke, “I’m very happy! I’m deeply grateful that so many friends and family could join me for this birthday celebration, especially since I’ve seen some dear friends whom I haven’t met in a very long time. I’m so moved! Thank you for your help and support through all these years. It’s because of you that I’ve been able to persevere until today. I…”

As Xu Shu was delivering her birthday speech, my heart raced, blood surged to my face, and I felt utterly out of sorts. Hua Jingjing didn’t notice; she was so excited she rose onto her tiptoes, delightedly listening to Xu Shu speak.

I wandered off on my own, found a chair, and sat down. From my pocket, I pulled out that pack of foreign cigarettes, opened it, took out one that looked like a cigar, and lit it with my lighter, inhaling deeply. Using the harsh smoke to calm my agitated nerves, I bitterly smiled to myself—I had always thought I’d forgotten this stunningly beautiful woman. Yet seeing her again, I was overwhelmed with uncontrollable excitement. Tang Qian, oh Tang Qian! Have you really fallen so hopelessly?

I couldn’t even hear what Xu Shu was saying anymore, my mind filled only with confused, helpless thoughts. In a few frantic puffs, the cigarette was nearly finished.

At that moment, Qiu Jieqin’s sorrowful face flashed in my mind, and I jolted awake.

Yes! I already have Qiu Jieqin—a real, tangible relationship. Xu Shu is nothing more than a dream to me, too unreal, too impractical. It’s fine to have dreams, but if you get lost in them and can’t escape, you’ll only harm yourself and others. Tang Qian, you’re an adult now—how can you still harbor such adolescent fantasies and longing?

My reason told me I should cherish the one before me, the one who will spend a lifetime with me, who is truly mine. I must hold onto her tightly.

I tossed away the cigarette butt, took a deep breath, and resolved that no matter how beautiful or enchanting Xu Shu was, she had nothing to do with me. I could admire her, but I could not let myself become obsessed. I already have a girlfriend, and I am already very happy. I must be content!

I shook my head vigorously, banishing all stray thoughts, then calmly stood and walked to Hua Jingjing’s side.

By then, Xu Shu had finished her speech. The host took back the microphone and announced excitedly, “Today, Miss Xu actually celebrates not one but three joys—it’s truly an auspicious day! I am honored to announce these grand occasions. First, it’s Miss Xu’s birthday, which we all know. That’s the first joy! The second is that her latest album, 'Countless Thoughts,' has recently sold its eight millionth copy, breaking the national record for album sales. This is a remarkable achievement! Let’s give Miss Xu another round of enthusiastic applause!”

Applause burst forth again, countless people cheering and calling out Xu Shu’s name. Xu Shu’s face lit up with a radiant, charming smile, and she playfully performed a classical European curtsy to express her gratitude, which drew even more fervent applause and cheers.

The host pressed his hands down to signal for quiet once more and continued, “Now let’s invite the president of Lisheng Records, Mr. Zhang Jianren, to present the commemorative super platinum award to our birthday star, Miss Xu!”

Once again, applause filled the hall. An impeccably dressed elderly man with white hair walked toward Xu Shu, holding a platinum record encased in a beautiful frame. He smiled and shook hands with Xu Shu, presenting her with the award.

Hua Jingjing beside me was clapping so enthusiastically her hands must have hurt; she turned to me, beaming, “Surprised? My classmate is none other than the famous superstar Xu Shu! Isn’t it amazing?”

I gently clapped and smiled, “A little, yes, a little!” Hua Jingjing laughed with pride, then turned back to clap even harder.

After the award ceremony, the host announced excitedly, “Now, I reveal the third piece of good news. I believe you’ve all read on the websites or in the newspapers that George Buckalon, the renowned Hollywood director, is casting his new film 'Oriental Beauty' across all of Asia for the female lead. Japanese star Aiko Matsushita, Korean actress Kim Soon-hee, and Hong Kong’s Luo Meiyin—these world-famous Asian beauties have all been strong contenders. But today, I’m proud to announce that the female lead has been chosen, and she is our beloved birthday star, Miss Xu Shu!” He pointed energetically at Xu Shu, who stood tall and elegant.

There were cries of surprise and delight from the crowd, as well as envy and jealousy from some. George Buckalon is a top Hollywood director, his films have swept all kinds of awards worldwide, and among the ten highest-grossing films globally, he alone has three. Actors who have appeared in his films invariably become international stars. He is the very pinnacle of the global film industry. Now, with his upcoming film about Asian life, Asia has been swept up in a storm of excitement—who wouldn’t want a role in one of his movies? Especially since he’s casting the female lead from all across Asia. Recently, media reports have been rife—sometimes saying Japan’s Aiko Matsushita is favored, sometimes that Korea’s top actress Kim Soon-hee is about to sign, and so on. Rumors abounded, but unexpectedly, the little-known Chinese beauty Xu Shu seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, astounding everyone. It’s clear that once Xu Shu stars in Buckalon’s new film, her rise to international stardom is all but assured.

After the shock came a thunderous applause. Xu Shu’s face was radiant with joy as she waved to the crowd.

Once the applause settled, the host quickly continued, “Now, let’s invite the famous Hollywood producer, Vice President of Universal Pictures, Mr. Wilson, to tell us about choosing our Chinese beauty. Please welcome him!”

Amid applause, a tall foreign gentleman stepped out, his face beaming. He warmly embraced Xu Shu, then took the microphone and spoke in English: “Ladies and gentlemen! Good evening! It is a great honor to attend the birthday celebration of a woman whom I believe is the most beautiful in all of the East. Her beauty stunned me and my film crew; when George and I met her, we almost instantly knew she was the one we were seeking…”

Of course, I didn’t understand what he was saying at the time; only Hua Jingjing, who had studied in America, listened with keen interest. I merely gazed at the smiling Xu Shu, recalling that night when she lay on my shoulder, softly singing to me…

At last, the foreign guest finished speaking, and the host announced, “Now, the ball officially begins! Everyone, dance as you please!”

Music started, and the crowd surged forward, congratulating Xu Shu. She responded gracefully to each one. Hua Jingjing couldn’t get through and called from the outside, “Xiao Shu! Xiao Shu! I’m here!”

At that moment, a handsome gentleman squeezed through, smiling, “Shu, may I?” He bowed slightly and extended his hand. Xu Shu smiled and placed her gloved hand in his palm. The crowd made way, and the two struck a pose, then began an elegant waltz, light and graceful.

I recognized the handsome man—he was the idol of every young woman in Asia, the superstar of Hong Kong’s music and film scene, Alan Zhang. He was handsome, she was beautiful, their dance exquisite and their harmony perfect—they truly were a golden couple.

Hua Jingjing, seeing them, pulled at my hand in excitement, shouting, “Did you see? Did you see? It’s Alan Zhang! Wow, I’m so jealous!”

I felt a pang of sourness and amusement. Before coming in, she’d warned me not to get too excited if I met celebrities, but now, seeing the Hong Kong superstar, she was just like a star-struck fan, her accent even changing to mimic Hong Kong slang.

As the dance continued, other couples joined the floor. Hua Jingjing tugged at me, giving me a look—I knew it meant she wanted me to invite her to dance.

I sighed, “Miss, may I?”

Hua Jingjing smiled, “It’s my honor!”

Hand in hand, we stepped onto the dance floor and began to dance. I whispered, “Don’t blame me if I embarrass myself—you know I’ve only just learned.”

Hua Jingjing smiled sweetly, then threatened, “If you make a fool of us, I’ll kill you!”

As we danced, we drew near to the golden couple. Hua Jingjing called out, “Hey! Xiao Shu!”

Xu Shu turned and saw us, happily calling back, “Jingjing! You’re here?” Then her gaze naturally shifted to me. I noticed she hesitated, blinking hard, and looked at me intently.