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Chen Fei'er was currently filming CCTV's new annual blockbuster drama, 'The Flourishing Dynasty's Long Ballad'. The story is set during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, and she plays a peerlessly beautiful songstress.
The series runs for 60 episodes, with an investment of 170 million. It brings together a large number of domestic stars, including several heavyweight figures in the film and television industry, making it highly anticipated within the industry.
Although Chen Fei'er is not the first female lead, her role carries substantial screen time. There is no way it can be completed in the short term. Moreover, the director of this series is known in the industry for being extremely demanding with actors.
"I almost regret taking this drama." Chen Fei'er complained in a soft, coquettish tone. "If I had known, I would've gone to Hong Kong with you to make a movie. That would definitely have been more interesting."
When she filmed 'Autumn in My Heart' and 'Full House', the entire crew revolved around her and Lu Chen, providing meticulous care and attention. And since urban idol dramas have relatively lower production demands, the filming process was naturally much more relaxed.
But on the set of 'The Flourishing Dynasty's Long Ballad', Chen Fei'er was not even the top-billed heroine. Expecting others to accommodate her would be wishful thinking.
However, this major production was extremely important for Chen Fei'er, who was steadily advancing toward becoming a triple-threat artist in film, television, and music. If the drama wrapped smoothly and aired successfully next year, it would significantly elevate her status in the entertainment industry.
So complaints aside, she still had to continue filming diligently.
Lu Chen understood this well. He timely stepped into the role of a psychological counselor, offering comfort and encouragement. The two exchanged affection across the phone line, chatting sweetly for more than an hour.
Only when her phone gave a low-battery warning did Chen Fei'er suddenly come to her senses. "Oh no, my battery's almost dead! I almost forgot to tell you something."
"I have a friend in Hong Kong, you should know her name, Shu Jing. I mentioned you to her on the phone yesterday. She'll probably send someone tomorrow with an invitation, asking you to attend a charity gala. A lot of people from the entertainment industry will be there."
Lu Chen immediately understood.
He had come to Hong Kong to develop his film career, but he had no foundation or connections here, completely unfamiliar territory.
Chen Fei'er clearly intended to use Shu Jing's connections to introduce Lu Chen into Hong Kong's circles. The more useful people he could get to know, the smoother his future development would be.
A so-called charity gala was essentially a networking venue. To enter such occasions, a sponsor or introducer was indispensable.
Shu Jing was that introducer.
Although Lu Chen had never met Shu Jing personally, her name was far from unfamiliar.
From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, this Hong Kong singer, who debuted as a teenage girl, was highly active in the pop music scene. She released several commercially successful albums and won countless fans with her youthful beauty and sweet voice.
However, at the peak of her career, Shu Jing married into a wealthy family at a young age and largely disappeared from the music industry, leaving many fans sighing in regret.
Then, two years ago, news broke that Shu Jing had divorced and was making a comeback to the music scene.
But times had changed. After returning to the stage, she had not produced any particularly outstanding new works. Her name recognition remained, but her popularity had largely faded.
In other words, she was now considered a former star.
In fact, Shu Jing was only 37 years old this year. For a truly capable singer, her golden years were far from over.
Though she might no longer be at the peak of her fame, Shu Jing had once been a dominant force in Hong Kong's music scene. Coupled with more than a decade as the wife of a wealthy family, she had built extensive connections in various circles.
Chen Fei'er introducing Lu Chen to Shu Jing was clearly a move that valued the latter's network of resources.
Chen Fei'er had known Shu Jing for many years. In fact, when she purchased the apartment in Repulse Bay, it was Shu Jing who recommended the property and helped her secure a discounted price through personal connections. They had developed a solid friendship.
After Shu Jing withdrew from the music industry, whenever she visited the capital, she would often invite Chen Fei'er out for tea and conversation.
By the time Lu Chen ended his call with Chen Fei'er, his phone had grown warm from the lengthy chat.
He lingered on the balcony for a while longer, enjoying the view, then prepared to return inside to shower and rest. Just then, his phone rang again.
Without thinking, he answered with a smile. "What's wrong? Did you forget something else?"
He assumed Chen Fei'er had switched phones to call him back. Instead, a unfamiliar voice came through the receiver.
"Hello, may I ask if this is Mr. Lu Chen?"
Lu Chen paused. "Yes, it is. May I ask who's speaking?"
"I'm Shu Jing. I'm not sure if Fei'er mentioned me to you. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Lu Chen immediately understood. "Hello, Sister Jing. I was just on the phone with Fei'er, and we were talking about you."
Shu Jing's Mandarin was excellent, with only a faint trace of a Hong Kong accent. Her voice was soft and gentle. "No wonder I couldn't get through earlier. Here's the thing, I'd like to invite you to a charity gala being held the evening after tomorrow at the Shangri-La Hotel. I wonder if you would be willing to attend?"
Lu Chen responded at once, "It would be my honor. I've just come to Hong Kong to develop my career, and I'll be relying on you for guidance in the future, Sister Jing. I will definitely attend the banquet at the Shangri-La."
"Good,"
Shu Jing said with a smile. "I'll have someone deliver the invitation to your company tomorrow morning. I just wanted to confirm with you first."
"Alright, thank you!"
After exchanging a few polite words, Lu Chen ended the call.
He hadn't expected Shu Jing to contact him so promptly. From the brief conversation, he formed a favorable impression of her and felt she was likely someone worth befriending.
He couldn't help but look forward to the banquet the evening after tomorrow. If nothing unexpected happened, it would mark his first step into Hong Kong's entertainment circle, a very important first step.
After showering, Lu Chen went to bed.
The next morning, he got up early, put on sportswear, and went out for a run.
At dawn, quite a few people were exercising along Repulse Bay's shoreline, some jogging, others playing ball games.
After running several laps, Lu Chen returned home drenched in sweat.
He showered again and changed into fresh clothes. Soon, Zhang Xiaofang called.
Lu Chen headed downstairs once more and got into the car to grab breakfast.
Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers. The variety of breakfast options is astonishing, with Cantonese dim sum being the most famous. There were several long-established tea house franchises around Repulse Bay, so finding a good place was never a problem.
After breakfast, they headed to the Workshop, arriving just at nine o'clock.
As soon as Lu Chen entered the office, Li Zhen handed him an exquisitely designed invitation card.
"Miss Shu Jing had someone deliver this first thing this morning."
So fast?
Lu Chen was slightly surprised.
But even more surprised was Li Zhen; she had never expected Lu Chen to have connections with Shu Jing.
(End of Chapter)
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