Hong Kong, shrouded in the night, was a dazzling world of glittering lights and extravagant pleasures.
In this world, countless social gatherings unfolded daily, where impeccably dressed gentlemen and ladies mingled in various social circles, wearing masks of pretense and uttering insincere words, yet finding endless delight in the charade.
This city also churned out a ceaseless stream of news every day.
Shortly after 8 PM, Shu Jing officially concluded the charity gala held at the Shangri-La Hotel. The auction had raised over ten million yuan in donations, primarily earmarked for assisting impoverished mothers and children in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong boasted an abundance of wealthy individuals, with countless billionaires among its elite. Several world-renowned tycoons even resided here. Yet within its population of over thirteen million, a substantial portion remained mired in poverty.
Neither the upper class nor the media they controlled showed much concern for these marginalized members of society. Countless ordinary citizens struggled desperately to survive, appearing as mere ants compared to the ostentatious extravagance of the wealthy, insignificant creatures easily crushed by the slightest turbulence.
Over the decades since Hong Kong's return to China, its economy has experienced remarkable growth, but social tensions have also intensified. Visionary leaders have recognized the root of Hong Kong's societal challenges and have been vocally advocating for improvements in the lives of the impoverished.
Shu Jing is undoubtedly one of these advocates. Long before marrying into a wealthy family, she had already been deeply concerned about the plight of Hong Kong's impoverished communities. After her marriage, she established a charitable foundation, leveraging her influence and connections to assist those in need.
After over a decade of unwavering commitment, though her celebrity status in the entertainment industry has waned compared to her earlier years, her status and reputation now rival those of even the biggest stars. This explains why tonight's fundraising goal was so effortlessly achieved.
"Lu Chen, I truly can't thank you enough for your help!"
After the banquet, Shu Jing personally saw off each guest, instructing her assistant to ensure Lu Chen stayed behind.
"How about we grab a coffee?"
Lu Chen chuckled. "Isn't it a bit late for coffee? But if you're inviting, Sister Jing, I'll gladly join you."
Shu Jing smiled knowingly. "Hong Kong's nightlife hasn't even begun yet."
The café Shu Jing had invited Lu Chen to was right next to the grand restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel. Reputedly Hong Kong's most famous café, Orchid Court, it was impossible to get a seat without a reservation.
Shu Jing had secured an excellent table right by the floor-to-ceiling windows. A simple turn of the head offered a breathtaking panoramic view of Victoria Harbour's dazzling nightscape.
Sipping aromatic, hand-ground coffee, listening to the live piano music, and sitting across from a captivating woman of myriad charms, Lu Chen felt his trip to Hong Kong was truly worthwhile.
Of course, he was merely admiring her beauty, harboring no ulterior motives.
Perhaps it was Lu Chen's candid appreciation that endeared him to Shu Jing. After careful observation, she finally gave her approval: "Fei'er has found a wonderful boyfriend. As her sister, I'm truly happy for her."
Though she was complimenting him, her words still sounded a bit strange. Lu Chen chuckled wryly, "Sister Jing, saying things like that makes me feel really embarrassed."
Shu Jing pursed her lips and smiled. "What's there to be embarrassed about? Fei'er has always had better taste than me. She advised me against marrying into a wealthy family, insisting that women should earn their own way in life. I nearly fell out with her over it."
Her smile faded, and her voice dropped. "Looking back now, I realize she was absolutely right."
Lu Chen fell silent.
Despite this being their first meeting, he could sense that beneath Shu Jing's glamorous exterior likely lay hidden, unspoken bitterness.
It wasn't hard to understand. As a former "Little Heavenly Queen" now re-entering the entertainment industry after years away, she no longer commanded the same popularity. While her charity foundation had earned her a place in high society, all her status and prestige were ultimately granted by others. Her glory and honor were like castles built on sand, one fierce storm could sweep them away, leaving nothing but dust.
To establish a firm foothold and remain unshakeable in Hong Kong, the most fundamental thing is, nevertheless, one's own strength!
"Enough about that," Shu Jing said, her spirits lifting again as a smile returned to her face. "What were you talking about with Madam Jin for so long? Did you take a fancy to her two goddaughters? You seemed quite reluctant to part ways."
Her smile carried a teasing edge, the kind of playful banter between friends.
"Sister Jing, don't tease me like that!" Lu Chen quickly surrendered. "I just promised to write a debut song for them."
"Two songs?" Shu Jing asked, surprised. "I thought they were filming just one."
Lu Chen explained, "Actually, it's just one song. I suggested that the two girls debut as a duo, and Madam Jin agreed. They'll be called Twins."
"Twins?" Shu Jing's eyes lit up. "A female duo? There aren't any famous ones in the industry right now. That's a great name, did you come up with it?"
Lu Chen nodded.
Shu Jing sighed admiringly, "These two girls are so lucky to have met you! I can already foresee Twins achieving great success upon their debut, all thanks to the songs you'll write for them!"
Lu Chen chuckled and shook his head. "Sister Jing, you're still teasing me."
"I'm not teasing," Shu Jing said earnestly. "I've heard you have a nickname: 'Golden Hand.' They say your touch has the magic to turn stone into gold, any wandering singer who performs your songs is guaranteed to become a sensation!"
Lu Chen blushed slightly. "I didn't even know I had such a nickname! That's quite an exaggeration."
Shu Jing smiled faintly. "Whether it's an exaggeration or not, we'll only know for sure after trying it. I'm currently gathering material for a new album I plan to release by the end of the year. So, would you, the 'Golden Hand,' be willing to write two songs for me?"
Without hesitation, Lu Chen replied, "No problem."
His ready acceptance surprised Shu Jing. "You're not even going to ask about the conditions? What if I wanted you to do it for free?" A playful expression danced across her face.
Lu Chen shrugged casually. "You're Fei'er's friend, which makes you my friend too. Friends don't need to haggle over terms like that. Even if it's for free, no problem."
Lu Chen wasn't just being polite or making empty gestures. Having started his film career in Hong Kong, he needed support from all quarters. What did it matter to give two songs to someone as influential in the entertainment industry as Shu Jing?
Besides, her friendship with Fei'er had already helped him connect with several high-ranking figures in the industry.
Shu Jing, however, was deeply moved.
Having witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes throughout her life, she wasn't easily swayed. But Lu Chen's sincerity and magnanimity revealed a man unlike any she had encountered before.
'How fortunate Fei'er is!'
(End of Chapter)
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