Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Graceful Young Elf

The socializing at the banquet left Yan Xu utterly exhausted, both body and soul. Though he disliked such gatherings, they were essential for expanding his network—not just for himself, but for the future development of his company as well. Banquets like this stretched over long hours, starting around seven or eight in the evening and continuing into midnight; there was no sign that the crowd would disperse anytime soon, and it was said that such events could carry on until two or three in the morning, or even until dawn.

Feigning the need for a bathroom break, Yan Xu finally found a moment to relax.

Though he was only a director who had just made two films, those works had already established him in the industry. Coupled with the recent achievements of his record company, he had become somewhat of a minor celebrity. Many aspiring actors and models now approached him, hoping to secure roles in his next film or enter his company as singers. Naturally, there was no shortage of suggestive overtures—an unavoidable reality of this circle, and what many considered a shortcut to success.

As time went on, more and more of such people gathered around him. At first, the flattery was intoxicating, but it soon became nauseating.

Behind the Marco Polo Hotel in Hong Kong was a modest garden. Given the late hour, not a soul could be seen among the foliage; everyone had congregated in the main hall or by the pool.

"Ah!" Yan Xu stretched on a bench in the garden, breathing in the fresh air.

Although Hong Kong lay in the south, the depths of winter brought a chill to the garden, especially at night among the grass and trees. The crisp air revived him, dispelling some of the haze from the wine.

"Comfortable," he murmured, reclining on the bench, his head resting lightly on the armrest.

Unlike the noisy banquet, here time seemed to stand still. The sky was filled with stars, a tranquil and distant serenity.

Half a year—neither long nor short. In those months, Yan Xu had been caught in a whirlwind of tension and busyness, but it brought immense changes to his life: from a penniless drifter to a company owner worth tens of millions, and a film director.

Everything he had now felt like a dream, things he never would have dared to imagine before.

His life here was growing ever more comfortable, but he wondered how his parents were faring in that other world. Since his soul had arrived in this era, his body remained there; it must have been considered an accident on set, and the compensation would surely be substantial. He had taken out accident insurance upon joining the crew; combined, the payout should be over a million. Thankfully, he had an older brother, and with the compensation, his parents would not be left without support in their old age.

"Move over, don't you have any manners? This bench is huge, and you’re taking up all the space."

Just as Yan Xu closed his eyes to enjoy the gentle breeze, a voice rang out abruptly. Along with it came a pungent waft of alcohol.

"Mm." Yan Xu opened his eyes, shifting from a recline to a seated position.

Before he could speak, a girl plopped herself down beside him, clutching a bottle of wine. The heavy scent of alcohol radiated from her; it was clear she had drunk quite a bit.

"It's you?" By the garden lights, Yan Xu saw the girl clearly and his eyes widened.

She wore a black strapless dress, her neck adorned with a round pearl necklace. Her hair was pinned up in a high bun, revealing her features completely. Large earrings, the size of coins and of unknown material, glittered under the lights. Though her attire was mature, her lightly made-up face showed no trace of age.

Her oval face, pointed chin, delicate arched brows, and those luminous, intelligent eyes were unforgettable. Her cheeks were flushed with wine, like smudged rouge.

For someone of Yan Xu's age, such beauty was hard to forget. His memories of her were mostly in period costumes—lively and playful, she had created classic screen images no one could surpass.

Now, she was devoid of the mischievous innocence seen on screen, dressed as a fashionable city girl. The strapless dress and black stockings lent her a hint of sensuality.

"So? You recognize me?" She tilted her head, looking at Yan Xu. There was a note of fragrance about her, but the dominant scent was alcohol.

"Charming Huang Rong, radiant Chu Yan—how could anyone not recognize you?" Yan Xu replied. The roles she played had become deeply rooted in the public's mind. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, but had her own unique allure; now, in her not-so-youthful years, she exuded a mature charm.

"It's hard not to be recognized, hard to find a moment's peace," she said with a faintly bitter smile, lifting the bottle for a gulp.

"Don't drink so much, it's bad for you," Yan Xu said, watching her.

He admired this girl deeply, and knew that this very year, her beauty would tragically fade, leaving only memories on the screen. He had wanted to prevent this misfortune, but hadn't known where to begin. Now, she appeared before him, as if fate itself was unwilling to let her slip away.

"What gives you the right to lecture me? Who are you to me?" she snapped, waving the bottle in his face.

"I'm just concerned for you," Yan Xu replied. She was clearly heavily intoxicated; her speech was slurred, her gaze unfocused.

"Concerned for me?" She hiccuped and gave a cold smile. "Men are full of sweet words, but in the blink of an eye, they're off charming another girl."

She was in a period of emotional turmoil and disappointment, having given everything to her relationship but not received what she wanted in return. She had even started getting close to other men, hoping jealousy would provoke her boyfriend, but it had the opposite effect. A wall had risen between them, growing thicker and taller with each passing day.

Facing her, Yan Xu was at a loss for words, unsure which remark might touch a wound. Yet if she kept repressing herself like this, the end would only draw nearer. From the look of her, she was already abandoning herself.

"Come, have a drink with me." She produced a wine glass from somewhere, poured a measure and handed it to Yan Xu. He noticed a faint lipstick mark on the rim.