Amidst a misty drizzle, a blue-and-white intercity express train sped along the straight tracks.
On either side of the tracks, towering skyscrapers loomed, half-hidden in the rain and fog, showcasing the prosperity and grandeur of Shinkai, South China's most economically developed city.
In business class seat A1 of carriage 2, Lu Chen held a copy of Entertainment Express, engrossed in reading.
Entertainment Express was the nation's highest-circulation daily business newspaper. In today's internet-dominated era, this paper, which focuses primarily on Pan-Entertainment Industry news, has managed to survive by delivering accurate, in-depth reporting, timely and sensational content, and a unique perspective on news coverage.
Today's front-page protagonist in Entertainment Express was none other than the man currently holding the paper:
The Man Behind the Heavenly Queen of the Music World!
The bold, oversized font was striking and alarming, and the sensational headline alone was enough to draw readers in to find out what secrets the editor was teasing.
This article, which occupied over half of the front page of Entertainment Express, first reported on the monumental success of Chen Fei'er's Extraordinary Phoebe national tour. Her concerts in Capital City, Huhai, Huacheng, Mountain City, and Sansha City were met with fervent adoration from countless fans.
The seven solo performances had drawn a total audience of over 500,000, making it the hottest national tour of the year.
After detailing Chen Fei'er's solo concerts, the editor's pen took a sharp turn, revealing, with practiced yet humorous flair, the secret behind Chen Fei'er's stunning transformation from the "Sweet Song Queen" to the "Heavenly Queen of Love Ballads" just days later!
The man standing behind this newly crowned Heavenly Queen was, of course, Lu Chen.
The article asserted that Chen Fei'er's transformative album, Flower Woman, had experienced a sales rebound, nearly reaching the 5 million mark for the "Crown" achievement. It further declared that Lu Chen was undoubtedly the greatest contributor to propelling her status to the pinnacle of the pop music scene.
Lu Chen had not only composed numerous chart-topping love songs for her but had also propelled her career to new heights through the mega-hit TV plays Autumn in My Heart and Full House. His significance to Chen Fei'er's success was undeniable.
The front-page article meticulously chronicled Lu Chen's trajectory to success, concluding with a tongue-in-cheek remark: "Want to become a Heavenly Queen like Chen Fei'er? Then find yourself a man like Lu Chen!"
After reading the headline report, Lu Chen chuckled softly, refolded the newspaper, and placed it on the tray table in front of him.
On September 22nd, Chen Fei'er successfully held his first solo concert of the year at the Olympic Five Rings Arena in Capital City. Lu Chen made a special guest appearance, performing two love songs in duet with Chen Fei'er.
Following the Capital City performance, Chen Fei'er embarked on a tour, performing in Capital City, Huhai, Huacheng, and other cities. Lu Chen accompanied her throughout the entire tour.
The final concert concluded in Shengjing on October 17th.
After a busy yet sweet period together, Chen Fei'er received an invitation to star in CCTV's epic historical TV play, The Flourishing Dynasty's Long Ballad, while Lu Chen headed south to Shinkai, bound for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
He was currently riding the intercity express train connecting Shinkai City directly to Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Pulled by a powerful electric locomotive, the long express train crossed the border at Luohu and entered the New Territories of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, formerly known as Xianggang, is located in southern China, east of the Pearl River Estuary, along the South China Sea coast. It borders Shenzhen City to the north, the Pearl River to the west, and faces the Macau Special Administrative Region across the Pearl River Estuary. The remaining two sides are adjacent to the South China Sea.
Hong Kong is also one of the world's most prosperous international metropolises, comprising three major regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories. It governs a total land area of 1,104.32 square kilometers, and as of the end of 2016, had a total population of 13.52 million, making it the second most densely populated region in the world.
Following New York and London, Hong Kong ranks as the world's third-largest financial center, collectively known as "New York-London-Hong Kong" (NYLHK). It enjoys an exceptional global reputation and serves as a crucial international and Asia-Pacific shipping hub, as well as one of the world's most competitive cities. For twenty consecutive years, it has topped the world in economic freedom index rankings.
This vast and bustling metropolis is renowned worldwide for its excellent public safety, free economy, and sound legal system, earning the nicknames "City of Charm," "Food Paradise," and "Shopping Paradise." It is also one of the world's wealthiest, most economically advanced, and highest-standard-of-living regions.
Half a month ago, Lu Chen had successfully applied for permanent residency in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region, commonly known as the Special Administrative Region Green Card. Though he hadn't changed his citizenship, this thin card granted him the same rights as permanent residents of the Special Administrative Region, allowing him to own property, operate businesses, and invest freely in Hong Kong.
Lu Chen's trip to Hong Kong was primarily to finalize the establishment of the Lu Chen Hong Kong Film and Television Workshop.
In fact, the workshop had been officially registered in Hong Kong by late August. However, the entire process, from registration approvals and office leasing to employee recruitment, had been handled by Wan Xiaoquan, who had arrived in Hong Kong earlier.
As the workshop's key figure, Lu Chen was required to personally sign and oversee numerous critical documents. Wan Xiaoquan had long urged Lu Chen to visit Hong Kong, but the visit had been repeatedly delayed due to Lu Chen's demanding work schedule.
Now he had no choice but to go; otherwise, Wan Xiaoquan would have threatened to jump off a building in protest.
For this trip to Hong Kong, Lu Chen brought only one assistant, Zhang Xiaofang, traveling light and fast.
The intercity high-speed rail was remarkably fast, reaching Hong Kong's Kowloon terminus in just twenty minutes. From there, they could take the extensive Hong Kong subway system to any part of the city.
"Mr. Lu Chen, welcome to Hong Kong!"
After checking Lu Chen's identification, a Kowloon Station staff member gave him a charming smile. "We wish you a pleasant stay every day in Hong Kong."
"Thank you!"
Lu Chen retrieved his documents and walked out with Zhang Xiaofang.
Outside the exit tunnel, they were greeted by Wan Xiaoquan, who had come to pick them up.
After more than two months, Lu Chen nearly didn't recognize the middle-aged director when they met again.
Gone was the despondent, gloomy man he'd known before. Starting anew in Hong Kong, Wan Xiaoquan radiated vigor and vitality, as if he'd shed four or five years and now brimmed with confidence and energy.
"Lu Chen!"
Seeing Lu Chen emerge from inside, Wan Xiaoquan immediately greeted him with a beaming smile. "Finally got you here!"
Lu Chen felt a pang of embarrassment. "Director Wan, I'm so sorry for the delay. I've been terribly busy these past few months."
To persuade Lu Chen to come to Hong Kong, Wan Xiaoquan had called him over a dozen times.
Wan Xiaoquan chuckled and shook his head. "Let's not dwell on that."
He pulled forward the young woman standing beside him. "Allow me to introduce you, this is Xiao Zhen."
"Li Zhen," he emphasized, using the characters for 'dawn's dawn' and 'pearl's pearl,' "your personal assistant and secretary here in Hong Kong!"
(End of Chapter)
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