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As the organizer of the charity gala, Shu Jing naturally took center stage as the undisputed protagonist.
Lu Chen, as a guest, inevitably played a supporting role. A protagonist couldn't possibly devote all her attention to a supporting character; she had other guests to attend to. After escorting Lu Chen around the banquet hall, she had to excuse herself with sincere apologies.
Lu Chen expressed his understanding and gratitude, feeling he had already gained more than enough from the evening.
"Go grab something to eat," Lu Chen told his assistant, who was trailing behind him. "Don't worry about me. Fill your stomach first."
Li Zhen, still a bit embarrassed, said apologetically, "Boss, next time we receive an invitation like this, I'll be sure to pay closer attention. Please rest assured."
She had been holding these words in her heart, finally finding the opportunity to express them.
Li Zhen deeply cherished her current job. Her boss was young, handsome, and generous, and the workshop offered excellent benefits. If her mistake had caused Lu Chen to lose face, she wouldn't have the face to remain.
Lu Chen chuckled. "Don't blame yourself. Go grab some food before it's all gone!"
The charity banquet featured a Western-style buffet. Long tables draped in pristine white tablecloths groaned under the weight of Western dishes and desserts, a lavish spread showcasing culinary excellence.
Given the distinguished guests in attendance, there was no real danger of the good food running out. Lu Chen was just teasing Li Zhen, who giggled, her tension easing.
Lu Chen himself ordered a steak from a waiter, paired it with red wine and a bread roll, and settled into a corner seat, ready to indulge.
"Excuse me, are you...?"
Just as he picked up his knife and fork, a graceful young woman appeared before him. Her voice trembled with uncertainty as she asked, "Are you Lu Chen? Teacher Lu?"
The woman, radiant in a butter-yellow gown, was strikingly beautiful. In her early twenties, she possessed a delicate oval face, large, expressive eyes fringed with long, fan-like lashes, and porcelain skin. Her youthful radiance was further enhanced by silver-rimmed earrings sparkling with colorful diamonds.
Though undeniably stunning, she was a complete stranger to Lu Chen. He rose and asked, "I am Lu Chen. And you are...?"
The term "teacher" isn't commonly used in Hong Kong, so hearing it felt particularly warm and friendly. Despite not recognizing the woman, Lu Chen remained polite and courteous.
The young woman smiled radiantly and extended her hand. "So it is you! I never imagined I'd meet the male protagonist of Autumn in My Heart here in Hong Kong. I'm Xu Hui, a huge fan, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
"Hello," Lu Chen replied, shaking her hand. Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Have you seen 'Autumn in My Heart'?"
Although the drama had been airing on the Mainland for over half a year, this phenomenal domestic city romance hadn't yet reached Hong Kong or Taiwan.
"I've watched it three times!" Xu Hui exclaimed with a smile. "Each time I cry my eyes out. You and Chen Fei'er were absolutely brilliant! The TV play is so incredibly moving. I watched it online and really hope local TV stations will start airing it soon."
"If it's going to air locally, it should be soon, right?"
Lu Chen wasn't entirely sure, as Lu Xi handled all copyright and broadcast matters.
Xu Hui asked, "Teacher Lu Chen, may I ask if you're here in Hong Kong for leisure or to visit friends, or are you planning to develop your career here?"
She added, "I'd like to invite you to dinner. There are many things I'd like to ask you about."
Xu Hui's sincerity was undeniable, but Lu Chen knew nothing about her background and hesitated to make any commitments. Smiling, he replied, "No need for such formality. Here's my business card."
He handed her his card.
Xu Hui accepted it with both hands and examined it carefully, her eyes lighting up. "Lu Chen Film Workshop?" she exclaimed excitedly. "Ah, you're truly planning to develop your career in Hong Kong? That's wonderful!"
Lu Chen asked, "May I ask who you are?"
"Ah!"
Xu Hui stuck out her tongue, looking embarrassed as she retrieved her business card from her purse. "I'm an artist and Senior Sister Shu Jing's junior sister. Please offer me your guidance, Teacher Lu!"
Rarely encountering strangers who recognized him, especially fellow artists, Lu Chen chatted with Xu Hui for a while longer.
Their conversation flowed surprisingly well. Xu Hui knew the plot of Autumn in My Heart inside and out, and she even owned Lu Chen's album, You Who Sat Next to Me, which she had purchased online.
Xu Hui was very polite and didn't take up too much of Lu Chen's time, quickly excusing herself to leave.
No sooner had she left than Shu Jing appeared.
The heroine of tonight's charity gala cast a meaningful glance at Xu Hui's retreating figure before sitting beside Lu Chen and remarking, "You and Xu Hui seemed to be getting along well?"
Lu Chen smiled faintly. "Not bad. She said she's your junior sister from the same sect?"
"She's from the Xu Family," Shu Jing replied. "We studied under the same master and signed with the same company. Some say she's a lot like I was back then, but she's definitely not as foolish as I was."
A bitter smile flickered across Shu Jing's face as she spoke.
She quickly composed herself and turned serious. "This junior sister of mine is not to be trifled with. She's always stirring up trouble and making headlines, so... I need to take responsibility for Fei'er."
Lu Chen nodded. "Thank you for the warning."
He understood Shu Jing's meaning perfectly.
He had come to Hong Kong to advance his film career, not to get caught up in tabloid scandals. He knew where to draw the line.
While Xu Hui was undoubtedly charming, she simply wasn't his type.
Shu Jing laughed. "Just don't find me annoying. Hurry up and eat; the auction starts soon."
After seeing Shu Jing off again, Lu Chen's steak was nearly cold.
He didn't mind, though. Wielding his knife and fork, he devoured every last bite, leaving not a scrap behind.
With his stomach full, it was almost time.
As the guests finished their meals, the servers cleared away the dishes and silverware, replaced the tablecloths, and soft music began to fill the hall.
On the stage, Shu Jing gracefully made her entrance.
She first thanked the guests for their attendance, then introduced the charitable projects her foundation was currently undertaking, and finally announced the official start of the auction.
Lu Chen received a bidding paddle from a server, bearing the number 39.
Next, an auctioneer in a black tuxedo took the stage.
"Tonight's first auction item at Miss Shu Jing's charity auction is..."
Wasting no time, the auctioneer cut straight to the chase. He announced loudly, "An antique watch donated by Sir Cai Hong! The starting bid is 10,000 yuan!"
(End of Chapter)
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