Donations welcome~ 731-750 731 – The lights were dimmed and it was FL’s turn to perform with the guest, Huang Yilun. The audience anticipated FL’s performance, having seen Ni Xue’s version previously. Some commented that she might even get overshadowed by Huang who was a great actor. 732 – FL started out strong and dominated the performance. It garnered a stunned reaction from the audience who exploded into applause. Nobody would compare Ni Xue with the FL. 733 – The crowd was enthusiastic. When Huang Yilun was interviewed by the host he said he did not know who he was performing with until the last moment. He gave FL a thumbs up and rated her very highly. FL was confident and even told him to be comfortable just before going up on stage. From her very first word on stage, Huang knew he could trust in her acting, and an actor would be very lucky to have someone like her acting against them. 734 – He looked forward to act with her in a future project. The host then turned to the judges. He Shuxin and Zhang Guangtao praised her highly. Sun disagreed, saying her performance felt artificial and too forced. ML sensed something as he stared at the Donghua Theatre Academy’s principal. Li Lingmei merely said FL still have room for improvement. The host too sensed something was up and moved to the score. Sun gave 7.2, causing the host to remark that he was as strict as ever. 735 – The audience was not pleased since he gave the inferior Ni Xue 8.5. Someone shouted for Sun to step down and soon there was a clamor of voices joining in to insult him. The security stepped in and warned that they would be escorted out if they continue. Sun actually wanted to give 6.0 but FL was too good. Li Lingmei gave 7.5 and she too became targeted. Sun was glad to have a ‘comrade’ and scolded the audience. Sun launched into a self-righteous rebuttal and incited the audience, that they couldn’t interfere with the judges’ rating. 736 – Even Grandma in the VIP seats was furious, while Xia was shocked at the amount of resistance her daughter was facing. FL walked away, causing some to think she was leaving in a huff. Instead she stopped to face the audience and bowed deeply to acknowledge them. The crowd realized that she was deliberately ignoring Sun and not giving him any face. She thanked the crowd for their support. Even if two people gave her low scores, it shouldn’t change anything. Do they remember what she wrote yesterday online? Most of the audience raised their hands: ‘Any injustice is like bubbles in the face of absolute strength’. Do you believe me? They crowd chanted “Believe!”, they were eating out of her hands. She thanked them and walked back to face the judge, the crowd quieted down as if obeying her. FL told the host that he can continue. Grandpa Han and Grandma praised the way she had controlled the situation. 737 – Mr. Han arrived just in time to see all this, he was busy with work. He was now convinced that FL was absolutely right for his son. Grandma hastened him to check on the two judges, he said ML is surely on top of things and won’t let them off. Dai Yiran finally noticed that the entire Han family was present. The next judge Liu Lizhen gave 7.8, infuriating the audience once more. Principal Liu stood up but he was hopeless to do anything. 738 – He looked at the three schools that these judges were from and swore to calculate with their principals later. ML whose face was blacker than ink had already called Assistant Zheng before sitting down again. On the stage, Sun smugly looked at FL as if daring her to do something, but she ignored him. The audience saw this and calmed down so that the judging could continue. Hao Zhonghai of Han Corp gave a full 10 points. The host was shocked; Sun was again annoyed at the ‘troublemaker’. The audience gave a thunderous applause. Sun demanded to know why he gave so much, Hao said he shouldn’t interfere with his judging, throwing his words back at him. “Besides, I don’t have the conscience to give low points anyway,” he said, angering Sun. 739 – It sparked catcalls from the audience mocking Sun and supporting Hao. Dai Yiran thought Hao was going to be in trouble for flaunting himself, not realizing that Hao had actually gained ML’s favour with his actions. Zhang Guangtao also gave 10 points. Sun sneered, surely it must because FL was a school alumni. Zhang furious said it was purely based on her performance. He added coldly: “But maybe because she isn’t from Donghua that you gave her low points.” When Sun fought back, Zhang actually retrieved a notebook and recited all the points Sun had gave out. Except for Dong Jingxi, none of the that school’s participants got more than 8.5, with FL getting 7.9. Sun tried to interrupt him but he announced the scores Sun had given to his school Donghua, a string of 9s… The audience heard enough, they were furious. 740 – The host hastily asked for the last judge He Shuxin. He originally wanted to give 9, but he was disgusted with the conspiracy and gave a 10. FL amassed a total of 52.2, unlike to top the group but still respectable. He Shuxin loudly comforted her; he couldn’t understand the three lower scores but felt she thoroughly deserved 10 from him. FL calmly thanked her and He Shuxin praised her level-headedness in this situation. 741 – Sun accused the three of them of a conspiracy, while He demanded to know why Sun was so dead set against the FL ever since their first meeting. Sun simply found her not pleasing to his eyes, and he had some friendship with the movie Director Zhang Lun. He only wanted to teach her a lesson and truly did not expect the matter blow up like this. The netizens, Han Corp and the angry participants who were suppressed by Sun were furious. ML ordered the event to be suspended, when the host asked for the reason he simply answered: “Replacing the judges”. But it was in such short notice, not even Han Corp can find replacements. 742 – When the host announced this, the crowd immediately chanted for Sun to be replaced. Even at this moment, Sun was mocking the judges who gave full points, thinking that the organizers were angry at them. Hao whispered to the two judges not to worry, and he was willing to even bet his own job that CEO Han Zhuoli won’t replace them. 743 – “Either he replaces those three, or all of us,” he said confidently. From backstage, FL observed that Sun and the problematic judges were talking suspiciously with an unknown person. She bribed a stage technician to slip her voice recorder used to record her practice lines under the judges table. The conspiring people had already written off the FL and talked about adjusting their scores to compensate against judges He and Zhang. 744 – They ended the discussion by promising to promote the students from each other’s school. They were interrupted by a commotion: veteran and nationally acclaimed actors Ma Xianghuan and Lian Fang had arrived together with Huang Yilun who had returned. The crowd began to buzz; were they to replace the judges? ML went to personally greet the two veteran actors. Ma Xianghuan welcomed the invite, as he thought the story ML had told him was just too much to bear. 745 – It was Huang who had went to pick up the duo. He had shown them internet clips of his performance with the FL and they agreed that she was very good and Sun was too overbearing. They were very impressed by what they seen and from Huang’s praise. ML escorted them to the judges’ panel where they were humbly greeted by Sun. When Sun asked who they were replacing, ML coldly thanked him for his hard work and that he could go rest now. 746 – Sun and his co-conspirators were stunned, while Principal Liu came over to sneer at them. ML said he didn’t watch the previous rounds and thus did not know of any unnatural problems, but he saw them today. The event was organized by Han Corp and participated by 23 schools to cultivate a new generation of actors, but he had seen how the judges had been unfair to the students and ruined the name of the Huayi Cup. It was supposed to be a clean, open and fair competition. For five previous installments such disgusting things have never happened; this can no longer be left in their hands. All the 23 schools were famous, their names cannot be stained by their dirty deeds. The audience cheered, but Sun refused to admit wrongdoing. CEO Han can be dissatisfied, but he cannot slander their reputation. “I don’t know if it’s a problem for you, but after you three have been stripped as judges, Han Corp will investigate your suspicious scoring,” ML said. The crowd began to urge him to take quick action. Liu Lizhen stood up and demanded a clear explanation: they can step down but are unwilling because of his accusations. You can dream about letting this competition go on today! 747 – Li Lingmei stood with her too together with Sun; at this point they had no choice but to make a stand. FL went to the judges’ table and picked up her recorder. She smilingly said it was the evidence. ML let he do the honours: she pressed playback and the voice of Sun saying that FL was as good as eliminated, and that they should discuss scores for the other competitors. The incriminating voices of Liu Lizhen and Li Lingmei followed. Liu sighed that it was enough, and FL sarcastically praised them for knowing in advance how much points to give to the other competitors. “Really admire it,” FL said, while ML asked, “What else do you lot have to say?” 748 – Even the faces of the veteran actors turned cold. Ma shook his head in disappointment, and told them to quickly get out so that the competition could continue. Those sitting in the front row had heard what had happened, and soon even the participants were joining in the chorus. ML ordered the security to escort the judges down. Ma was thoroughly disappointed in these so-called ‘teachers’. The three left with stony faces, but FL and ML won’t let it end there… The audience and netizens cheered as the three judges were placed, and clips on how ML and FL had teamed up to expose them soon appeared online. 749 – Still, the audience and netizens were worried. After all, FL had performed before the replacements arrived and the scores could hardly be revised. The previous performers in other groups might not agree to re-do the whole thing. Meanwhile, the host took charge of the situation and introduced the new judges to loud cheers. 750 – The competition continued with Dong Jingxi performing next. In truth, the remaining competitors felt it was a chance seeing how FL’s points were deflated. But the abnormal events of the day coupled with their eagerness meant they could not perform to their best. They were praised by the judges but all the competitors in FL’s group had cracked under the pressure and did not perform their best. Thus FL won the group with 52.5. It was cheered by the audience, and Grandma was relieved. Principal Liu reminded Principal Yang that he had three students through to the next round, while Yang only had one; much to his displeasure. The day ended and some netizens compiled videos to be shared online.
Oh well. 751-765 751 – Despite the furor on the internet, the three ousted judges were relaxed and having tea as they did not violate the law, just the spirit of the competition. They comforted each other; at most their work would be affected for a short while. They continued to disparage the FL, with Liu Lizhen saying that she should not be allowed to on Star TV’s ‘Performer’ show because she would raise ruckus if she gotten low scores on the programme. Liu said she could not see the FL entering the top five. 752 – Their talk was interrupted by a phone call for Sun. The director of his drama was forced to replace him in the play. There was a huge netizen movement to boycott him and this resulted in massive refunds of tickets to his theatre play. Sun replied politely that he understood, but inside he was boiling as he had been preparing for the role for a long time. But since the director had taken the step to call him, Sun knew that the decision had been made and it was pointless to argue. 753 – Next to receive bad news as Li Lingmei. When she demanded to know the reason, the caller told her about the fuss on the internet. If Han Corp did not dare to use her as a judge in their event, what makes her think their smaller company would dare to use her in their own programmes? They could only compensate her for their breach of contract. Liu Lizhen who saw this happen realized she was next and sure enough her phone rang afterwards. She had been axed from a variety show. 754 – For the next round, the remaining participants were given ten days to prepare. They were given scripts and told to find their own assistants: classmates, colleagues or friends. No limits. FL’s manager Hu Zhonghui arrived with FL’s classmates to discuss about her next step. She asked for them to help, and they were hesitant because of the huge responsibility. 755 – Manager Hu told them that she had heard the participants from other schools were ordinary students who have yet to step into the entertainment world. Thus they could only rely on their teachers to help, while Donghua school had two students with some fanbase. As for FL’s own school, the participants had their own network and contacts in the industry, surely their helpers would have some weight. Ni Xue for example had pulled in Qiao Luna whose contract with Han Corp had just expired. Her new agency is taking the chance to make use of her to get Ni Xue popular. FL’s classmates were shocked because Qiao Luna had walked away from Han Corp, but FL told them Qiao Luna had been too pampered and thus thought herself as special and deserved more. 756 – Qiao Luna had already agreed to appear in ‘Performer’ and her new agency BOC wanted her hype to put Ni Xue in the public eye. Once there is a rivalry established between these two, BOC would find it easy to hype them up together. Manager Hu said they should discuss about finding helpers for FL too, and the group decided to go somewhere more private. They bumped into Ni Xue who was with Zhang Xiaoying and Dong Jingxi. 757 – They greeted each other curtly, with ZXY and Dong Jingxi making snide comments about FL’s search for helpers. She’s new in the industry, but oh surely she can get the help from powerful people like Director Sun and great actor Zhang Shuidong who co-starred with her before. Surely her helper would be star-studded enough to make people shiver. FL bluntly asked Dong if she had offended her. FL: “I understand about Zhang Xiaoying since I had crushed her in the ratings. Then again in the exams. Then she failed in the second round while I advanced.” Her words were like knives that stabbed ZXY’s heart. “But as for you schoolmate Dong, why are you targeting me?” FL’s friends ‘helpfully’ answered that this was the case: despite the unfair judging, Dong still couldn’t beat FL’s score. Maybe she couldn’t see her own faults but still wanted to blame other people. 758 – FL smiled: “Then schoolmate Dong need no longer to worry about this, since you are already eliminated.” Ni Xue politely bid FL goodbye and her cronies rushed to follow her. Manager Hu commented that Ni Xue had previously sought the help of the famous actor Guo Haolun to make a movie together but failed. It seemed Ni Xue had not given up on this goal. FL’s classmate suggested that all FL had to do was to ask CEO Han for help. Hu was shocked and said that they shouldn’t. FL agreed and said in the end, the judges care more about the participant’s acting ability, not the high profile guest helpers. This was overheard by the passing judge Ma Xianghuan who praised her words. He was visiting the school and was accompanied by Principal Liu, VP Wang and others. As FL greeted Ma politely, Ni Xue who was there was annoyed that she was lucky enough to make such a good impression. 759 – Ni Xue had thought FL said those words sourly because she couldn’t find helpers of her own, yet this was received favorably by Ma. He said he had just complained to Lian Fang the previous day about how the competition was being overshadowed by the glitz and glamour. He hoped that participants remember about the competition’s spirit and the essence of performance. It was a general statement but Ni Xue took it personally. FL and Ma chatted amicably and he looked forward to watch her performance. After he had left, Principal Liu asked FL if she had anything to do with his visit. It was his first visit in more than ten years. She said no. Principal Liu then thought Ma’s interest in the school must have been sparked by FL. Later, FL went to look for her drama teacher in the school. Teacher Fang was very flattered that she had come to him for help. FL showed him the script; it was from ‘The Last Emperor’ which Teacher Fang had taught about extensively before in class. 760 – Teacher Fang said it had always been his dream to play this role. He then suggested Teacher Wan to be the stage director. He was very experience and since the Hua Yi Cup was like a stage performance, he would be very suitable. Teacher Wan was a little hesitant as the school had three students in the round, it would be unfair to help just one. Fang said they had star-studded guests and only Lu Man came to them for help. As teachers they have to help when asked. Wan was badgered by Fang into agreeing. 761 – The two teachers immediately decided to find more people to help. They told FL to wait and soon returned with a large group including Teachers Yao and Hong and Counselor Liang. Obviously word of FL recruiting teachers got around. Dong Jingxi sneered: since FL couldn’t find stars, she resorted to teachers to make a good impression. She was with Ni Xue’s group which had grown to include Zhuang Tingting and Yu Jingfei, all of whom are anti-Lu Man. Ni Xue said she already told the company about Ma’s feelings about celebrity helpers and could only refuse Qiao Luna’s help now. 762 – Ni Xue seethed as FL had cleverly turned the situation around. But when Ni Xue went around the school to look for teachers, she could not find anyone. Instead she bumped into Li Zeyu who had the same idea. They could only wait in the empty office. When Yao and Hong returned, the two rushed to seek their help; only to be told that they were too late. The teachers had already promised to join Lu Man. “But she already asked for Teachers Wan and Fang?” Yao smiled: “We are planning to make a large production”. Yao wrote down the names of the teachers. Ni Xue saw it and said “that’s not a lot of people”. Yao: “This is the list of teachers not with Lu Man.” 763 – There were just 8 people not with Lu Man. Ni Xue asked if the teachers could talk to FL, surely she does not need so many people; they needed help too. Teacher Hong: “But didn’t you two already have celebrities to help?” Yao: “And we have already settled on the cast and rehearsed, it would not be good to suddenly drop out.” Ni Xue said it was unfair for FL to have so many teachers, are they not students of the school too? Yao: “Yes but we only agreed because you two said you already have celebrity helpers. It is only because of this that we agreed to help Lu Man.” Hong: “Of course we would like to help all the students. Talk to Lu Man, if she agrees then we will help. Otherwise, we can’t break our word.” Li Zeyu and Ni Xue could not really blame them; after all they are only like this because they had heard Ma’s words yesterday. Li Zeyu decided to find the 8 remaining teachers but as she had suspected, they did not join FL because they simply did not have the time. The two knew that Lu Man would not help them and went to find Principal Liu. He was also surprised; didn’t they already have superstar guest helpers? Why only look for people now? The two were speechless; they were too tired to explain again by now. Principal Liu said it was all voluntary, he can’t interfere. Ni Xue was privately suspicious about the principal who seemed to favour the FL. 764 – In the end, they gave up. Li Zeyu had her management company find an actor who was good but not famous, someone who only had supporting roles. He would not be as eye catching as a superstar, but would have the skills and the actual freedom of schedule to back her up. Ni Xue had no choice but followed suit. On the day of the event, FL’s mother and the Han family wished her good luck as she went backstage to prepare. ML walked to send her off. ML quietly observed her: FL had completely forgotten about her own birthday. 765 – ML was pained that FL thought so little of her own birthday, remembering how she had told him before about it. FL saw something in his eyes but before she could ask, they were interrupted by Ni Xue who had called out to ML. She introduced herself and was curious about how they were together. ML had an answered prepared: it was a coincidence; he himself was going to inspect the backstage. He said a few words of to the participants who had arrived and then left. Ni Xue then thought of a trick to destabilize FL: she looked at the ring on Lu Man’s finger and asked if she was engaged, to which Lu Man said yes. “Then why are you sticking to CEO Han? Since you are engaged, do not try to climb another mountain,” Ni Xue said loudly for everyone to hear.
Pfft! Can't wait for her reaction when she finds out the truth. P.s. I made an account just so I could comment on this.
Running out soon. 766-780 766 – “Ni Xue, are you trying to disturb my mood so that I would make a mistake on stage? Are you that afraid of me?” FL asked. It immediately diffused the suspicions of the people who had heard Ni Xue. She hastily denied it, to which FL said seriously: “Well, even if you really did so, it did not work.” FL’s friends arrived to crowd out Ni Xue. They asked if FL was nervous, she said there was no need for last minute cramming. It is better to adjust one’s emotions and mood so as to be in the best state when performing. They cheered FL and left her alone to meditate. Soon the audience arrived. Unlike the previous rounds, this event will be recorded and then broadcasted online by Star TV. 767 – This broadcast would serve as a warm-up for ‘Performer’, though this event was supervised by the schools and not Star TV. The crowd stirred when they recognized Director Sun Yiwu arriving. He went to the VIP seating and greeted the principals, stating that he asked a ticket from CEO Han and was there to watch and cheer for Lu Man. Soon thereafter another unexpected guest arrived; it was Director Jicheng with his wife and young daughter. He too greeted the principals and told them he had promised his daughter that she could watch Lu Man if she had behaved. 768 – They were stunned to see that FL had such influence. Even Jicheng’s wife Liang Yuhan chipped in to say that she had wanted to cheer for her ever since the start of the competition but was told to wait for the finals which Jicheng was confident that she would reach. Finally the event started with the host introducing the judges: Ma Xianghuan, Liang Fang, Huang Yilun, Zhang Guangtao, He Shuxin, Hao Zhonghai and lastly… CEO Han Zhuoli. The audience and the participants backstage were excited; it seemed Han Corp was really scouting for talents. Though some of them had already signed on with other companies, they would still find openings for films, TV shows and so on as promised in the Hua Yi Cup. The big screen on stage came to life and it showed the scene backstage. The camera did not linger on FL who was calmly waiting, though she seemed to be somewhere in the corner in every shot. ML lapped it up; in his eyes there is only FL. 769 – In contrast to the calm and quiet FL who was listening to music, the other participants were trying to appeal to the camera, making movements and talking to the camera. Each is more modest than the other, though nobody really believed each other. They did not know that the cameras were in full definition without any ‘beauty’ filters, and thus every skin detail was revealed to the shock of the viewers. But when the camera went to give FL a close-up, it was flawless. She did not even notice the camera until the backstage host called for her. She said she was actually nervous as well, but she was trying to calm down with music. She disconnected the headphones and the soundtrack to her performance segment came out of her phone’s speakers. It was a depressing track, and the host admired the way she was trying to immerse herself into the role. 770 – The music was very depressing to the point of being unbearable and the host was stunned when FL said she had been listening to it the entire time. The audience too could appreciate her dedication, and realized that while the other participants were fawning for the camera, FL had nearly been invisible until her interview. The judges too were quite expectant for her, with Lian Fang wondering if Huang’s praise was a little too high. The veteran actress prepared herself for disappointment, and hoped her fellow judges would not be too severe later if their expectations were not met. 771 – The main stage host formally introduced the participants and schools. A random lottery was used to determine the order of performance and FL was selected to be last. One by one they performed. Ni Xue received praise for her performance could barely conceal her smugness. After a long time, it was finally FL’s turn. 772 – The stage lights went up and the audience was surprised by the elaborate setting. There were a lot of actors in the scene picked from the 1987 movie ‘The Last Emperor’ but FL still dominated it by movement alone. She entranced the audience by showing an emotional expression with tears. 773 – She acted out a short scene with Teacher Fang who played the emperor. It received thunderous applause from the audience, shocking even Ni Xue who was waiting backstage. They remembered how she had performed Empress Wu Zetian before and contrasted the imperiousness of that with the tragic gracefulness of this performance and praised FL. On stage, FL and her actors waited for the evaluation. Judge Zhang Guangtao recognized them and knew them as the teachers. He commented that FL had swept up all the teachers, and told the other judges that the stage had been directed by Mr. Wan who was also a teacher and director of all the theatre’s critically acclaimed plays. 774 – He Shuxin praised the production and recalled FL’s performance as Wu Zetian and praised her range of emotions. Lian Fang and Ma Xianghuan praised the entire cast. When the host turned to ask CEO Han’s opinion, he spoke with pride: “Lu Man is very good. This is the best performance I have seen so far.” 775 – The participants backstage heard it very clearly. All the while CEO Han did not talk much. Ni Xue could barely contain her rage. The participants assembled on stage to wait for the scoring and the host ask the usual ‘are you nervous’ interview questions. Ni Xue laughed cutely and said that she was. When FL was interviewed, she asked if the scoring would be faster if she said she was nervous. The host laughed and said she had to wait like. FL then said: “I am not nervous”. It flustered the host and they quickly went to the judging. Each judge announced their scoring for each participant. 776 – The host commented that the scoring seemed more severe. He Shuxin explained with a smile about stage experience and confidence, but everyone understood his meaning. The previous rounds were ‘adjusted’, and those in the know turned to look at FL. He Shuxin continued to say that but this stage was different as they whittled nearly 10,000 to these final 10, of course they had to be stricter. The scoring continues. Ni Xue received 54.2, highest thus far. 777 – As the scoring progressed it was clear than FL’s school would dominate the top even before FL’s turn. She received a string of high 9s… including 9.8 from CEO Han, for a total of 57.3 out of a possible 60. None of the previous contestants received anything higher than 9.0. Whereas people did not believe Judge Sun’s reasoning for giving out low scores, people did not question the high scores especially from Ma Xianghuan. Ma said that Judge Huang had praised FL a lot until he and Lian Fang were wary of unrealistic expectations. But FL had met all such doubts and really did perform beyond their expectations. Ma jokingly asked for FL not to be unhappy by his words. FL laughed freely, giving the impression that she truly was not offended. 779 – Ma even made a joke and people felt his scoring was not exaggerated at all. The camera then went for a close-up of CEO Han as he was interviewed. “It is not because I am afraid of you becoming arrogant, but for the 0.2 points; let’s leave it aside for next time.” His soft gaze at FL, his deep voice and handsome features nearly caused the women to melt. Someone even commented that he must be well equipped as well because of his magnificent proportions… In the VIP seating Grandma commented that ML was such a flirt, how did it take him so long to get a girlfriend? Madam Shen: “Maybe it is only because of Lu Man.” Grandma: “Right, right. At least he was persistent enough.” Xia Qingwei: “Fortunately that he was, otherwise Lu Man would have ignored him.” The female audience gushed about him but a viewer remarked that CEO Han did announce his engagement long ago. 780 – The awards were given out by the principals and judges. For the top winner Lu Man, CEO Han personally presented the trophy and certificate. While passing the trophy he took the opportunity to grasp her hand. “Happy birthday,” ML said to her. She had completely forgotten. How did he know? At the side, second place Ni Xue glared at her suspiciously, but the music and commotion was too loud. The host reminded them that the top 5 were qualified to join the tv program ‘Performer’ and the show wrapped up. Backstage, Ni Xue confronted FL and demanded to know what CEO Han had said. FL brushed it off, it was none of her business. They were interrupted by the arrival of Director Sun who shouted for FL. FL called him back as ‘director’ but he pretended to be angry. FL laughed and called him ‘uncle’, adding to the shock of the people around who were already stunned by his arrival. Sun congratulated her and wished her happy birthday and handed her a boxed wrist watch as a gift. FL was very moved as she had not gotten a birthday gift for over a decade.
Donations welcome, check signature for paypal~~ 781-795 781 – Sun asked her to check the engraving and FL saw the words ‘happy birthday’. FL cried as she wore it. Jicheng and his family then arrived with a birthday care and gave their congratulations. FL was overwhelmed. Her Red Tiger co-star Liu Chuanhui came as well, together with Zhang Jian’s manager who apologized as Zhang was busy filming. They all had gifts for her, fortunately her manager Hu Zhonghui and assistant He Mengmeng were on hand to help her receive them. 782 – The rubberneckers around were gobsmacked by this, seeing how FL was surrounded by the two hottest directors of the day and other famous people. The other top four competition winners including Ni Xue were completely overshadowed. Jicheng’s wife then took FL outside where ML’s car waiting. But it was driven by Xiao Chen and ML was not in it. Curious, FL said goodbye to those who had came to wish her well and stepped into the car. She asked Xiao Chen about the family as she had not greeted them yet; Xiao Chen said ML had arranged everything. FL was nervous as she did not know how to celebrate her birthday. Surely it was him who told Director Sun and the others about it. Surely he has something else planned. She soon fell asleep in the car and Xiao Chen only woke her up when they had stopped. 783 – They had arrived at a castle. Xiao Chen urged her to enter, and after walking down a red carpet FL was greeted by a butler. She was led to a hall with a grand staircase where ML was waiting, dressed in a full suit. He took her hand and said, “Happy birthday, my princess”. FL was lost for words, drowning herself in his eyes. “They say daughters should be treated like princesses, but you were born in the Lu family who did not know how to cherish you. You will be the princess of my family,” he whispered. FL began to tear up and when asked, said, “If you go on like this, I will be completely spoiled by you. But I am getting used to it by now, and I’m not afraid of anything.” ML leaned in to lick away her tears. “I will continue to pamper you as a princess and then pamper you as a queen. I am not afraid to spoil you. Whoever that makes you unhappy, whoever you hate… you can rely on me.” FL’s tears finally rolled down. 784 – ML began to panic as he didn’t expect her to cry. “What happened? I wanted to celebrate your birthday, to give you a surprise. Not to make you cry. Is something wrong, did someone wronged you? Tell me!” “No… just that… how could you be so good to me?” ML began to calm down. FL told him that if she didn’t do what she had done, if she had not risked it to be with him, she wouldn’t have this happiness now. She would not have felt uncomfortable whenever she missed him. In the past life they never met, he never knew of existence. Now they have met, now she had been hurt and been happy. She could no longer find another man to be as good to her. Whenever she thinks he was not there, her head would hurt. Her life has changed. If only she had jumped next door in her previous life… even if he did not like her then, she could still take a glimpse of him. She was truly afraid that this was all a dream... afraid of waking up to find nothing had changed. 785 – ML hugged her and noticed that she was trembling. “Stupid, we’re together now. There is no such thing. We are both good now; you are in my arms now, aren’t you?” She finally calmed down, and embarrassed by her display. He laughed: “You forgot about my personality. Once you are in my sights, how can you escape? Back then at the hotel, you ran away without leaving any details, but I still found you. So even if you disagree, I will still make you promise to me.” He bared his truth to her and she had fresh tears. She whispered: “In this castle there is such a prince, is there such a princess like me?” She felt cold and out of place. “I have already prepared, follow them,” ML laughed. She followed a servant to a bedroom that was of full classical 18th century European style. 786 – As the serving girl helped her to change, FL asked if this was a hotel. “It’s a private property,” came the answer. Did ML borrow this place to celebrate her birthday? After she had dressed up, she could hear The Blue Danube being played. She slowly went down the stairs where ML was waiting, his hand extending towards her. Wearing high heels, she did not dare to move fast. Suddenly she stopped about five steps away; ML had enough fun. “Zhuoli, catch me,” she said. Before he could fully understand, she had leapt from five steps up. He barely caught her in time. “You little scamp, you frightened me!” he exclaimed as his heart raced. FL wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am not scared, because I know you would catch me.” ML laughed and held her close: “How brave of you, to be so naughty!” he whispered. FL buried herself into him: “Because I believe in you. With you, I am not afraid of anything.” She continued: “I am very glad to have met you in this life. Really really fortunate to have you in this life.” ML could feel her unease as she hugged him; that she was afraid he would disappear. But he would always be with her. From somewhere, Wei Zhiqian shouted: “Did you call us here just to feed us dog food? How inhumane!” ML laughed: “I have already been considerate of you. I did not call for the elders to come, otherwise Madam Wei would have sought advice from my grandma on how to use the feather duster to teach you!” 787 – Wei was speechless as ML told him that Grandma actually did want to invite the Wei elders. FL finally realized that there were other people, she peeked up from ML’s shoulders to see Wei Zhiqian and Chu Zhaoyang (ML’s friends), Director Sun, Jicheng and his family, Grandma, Madam Shen, her own mother, Madam Lin (Zhuofeng’s mother), Grandpa and Mr. Han… almost everyone she knew was there. Eexcept for Han Dongping who remained ignorant about FL and ML, Grandma planned to only let him know on the actual wedding day. All of them were there to see her being spoiled by ML. Embarrassed, she quickly pushed him off. ML was confused; wasn’t she so insecure a few moments ago? She changed too fast. A little peeved, he placed his hands on her cheeks. “Why is your face so red?” he asked. “Why are they so many people?” she demanded furiously. “Didn’t you see them when you walked down?” he asked, completely innocent. She admitted that she actually didn’t see them as she only had eyes for him. Wei Zhiqian: “It’s ok, we didn’t see anything. Nothing at all.” ML sneered in his heart, this single dog dared to make a joke of us two. 788 - “Ignore him, he’s a weirdo,” ML whispered. Of their circle, only Han Zhuofeng was younger than Wei Zhiqian. ML said he had arranged all this for her to celebrate her birthday. He then asked her for a dance and then feigned astonishment at her ignorance when she refused. He taught her to waltz and as they dance he asked if she enjoyed her birthday. Seeing that everyone else with occupied, she snuck in a kiss… on his chin, as he was too tall. “Here,” ML said, pointing at his lips and bowed his head. FL was embarrassed but ML said it was okay now, since they had danced their way into a corner. He pushed her in and pointed at his lips: “Come on.” 789 – Well, this man had done so much for her birthday, even in the Huayi Cup. What is just a kiss? She gave him a kiss, unintentionally making it deep. Uh oh, his eyes look dangerous. He circled an arm around her waist and partook once more. He stopped to sigh, “Regretting that so many people have come. I want to take you back to the room.” She hooked her arms around his neck and kissed again gently and listened to his heartbeat as she calmed his fire down. Then she remembered about the castle and asked who it belonged to. It was not his, but someone that she knew. 790 – “The Han family?” she asked. “What ‘Han’ family, you should say ‘our’ family,” he admonished. “Why don’t you ask me what’s my birthday gift to you?” “Ah? Wasn’t it this surprise the gift? No? Then what is it?” ML looked at her awhile before saying, “Weren’t you asking whose castle this is?” She was stunned… it was not possible! “Silly. Maybe you need some brain food supplements,” he chuckled and she calmed down. He took her out of the ballroom to the balcony, and gestured at the entire castle. “This is the birthday gift I gave you, do you like it? The princess has to have her own castle,” he said as he nuzzled into her ear. Tears gushed again causing ML to fluster. “You haven’t say if you liked it or not,” he asked. “Like,” FL said emphatically. “How are you so good? You bad man… how are you so good!” “You call me a bad guy and say I am good, so which is it?” FL cried: “You’re a bad man who is too good to me!” “Well I am a bad guy. Whatever you want me to be,” he said. “Don’t cry, I know you’re moved and these are tears of joy. But even so, I don’t like to see you cry.” 791 – They flirted some more. ML said there is another gift and gave her a box. Inside were three decorative chains, two short one long. The short ones were too long to be worn on the wrists while the long one was also too long to be a necklace. 792 – All three had bells on them. FL jokingly said the ML didn’t know her wrist size, but he said he knew everything. He kissed her sensually from the wrist to her lips before lowering down to fasten the chains which were actually anklets. Every step she took jangled the bells. ML then said there was another gift: “Me”. FL teased him, where did he learn such cheesy things from. ML said it was all his thinking, where would he learn them from? Fortunately, they were each other’s first and only love… otherwise FL would have gone to kill his ex-girlfriend if he had one. ML said he was also very lucky to keep himself clean and pure for her. 793 – They exchanged more words of desire and love. The next day arrived, FL wondered how she would go to school because she was sore all over. ML had wrapped himself around her like an octopus, sleepily not letting her go. 794 – She wanted to push him off. Every movement made the bells ring and she remembered just how much they rang last night… She suddenly exclaimed in pain and finally the ML woke up in concern. He brought her a cup of water sheepishly. FL threatened to refuse him for a month if he went overboard next time. As immediate payback she left a lovebite on her neck that couldn’t be completely covered up. 795 – By the time FL got of bed and dressed, it was already noon. They were eating when Principal Liu called her. It was a Sunday, but he had called to remind her there would be a ceremony tomorrow at school to congratulate their representatives, and they as part of the top 5 winners would be signing on to appear on the show ‘Performer’. When they left the castle to sight-see, FL realized that it was on a mountain. ML casually told her there was a stable and a racecourse; he would bring her horse-riding next time. “Or… you can ride at night,” he added, infuriating her. That night he did not get much rest, it was like exercising after a long time of neglect. He couldn’t get up the next morning while the FL got ready for school.