CHAPTER 26

In the spring of Beicheng, the air was still chilly, with a rare dampness in the middle of the year, and the evening twilight had a rose-purple hue.

Xiang Zhishi and his sister arrived by car at a quiet and quaint alley.

"Is this the place?" Xiaoyuan asked curiously, poking her head out.

"Yes, it is." Xiang Zhishi nodded.

"Oh my, I'm so nervous, my hands are shaking!" Xiaoyuan's voice trembled slightly as she spoke.

"Stay calm."

"Brother actually knows her, she's been out of the spotlight for several years now." Xiaoyuan looked at Xiang Zhishi with admiration.

Xian Zhishi smiled faintly but remained silent.

In the Chinese film industry, there were two legendary figures who not only achieved grand slams in Chinese film acting awards but also won dual Best Actress awards at three major European international film festivals. They were the two greatest actresses in the Chinese music industry.

One of them was Zhu Ehua. She started as a model and beauty pageant winner, not a trained actress. Zhu Ehua had captivating eyes and innate camera sense when she was young. Initially, she mostly played decorative roles, until a director with a keen eye cast her in a feature film, which earned her numerous domestic film awards and propelled her to become a respected actress. From then on, her rise was unstoppable. Her biography on Baidu Baike listed countless works and awards of all sizes.

With both talent and beauty, old newspapers and magazines referred to her as a "once-in-a-century beauty." Thirty or forty years ago, any newspaper or magazine featuring her photo would sell out instantly, creating a scarcity in the market.

Xiaoyuan had seen photos of her when she was young, a simple dress, light makeup, minimal adornment, yet she exuded a dazzling beauty.

Such a beauty naturally attracted many suitors. During her prime, the common people in the streets and alleys loved to gossip about Zhu Ehua – who she was with, who she had parted ways with, and what means someone had used to earn her smile...

Even now, some self-media accounts would "dig into history" when writing about scandals of female celebrities, and they would sigh and say, "Although, they can't be compared to that legendary beauty..."

They stopped in front of a quadrangle courtyard. Xiaoyuan wasn't familiar with quadrangle courtyards, but she knew that owning one in Beicheng was a sign of wealth.

It was said that this quadrangle courtyard was a gift from one of Zhu Ehua's former husbands, showing the generosity and love at the time.

"How old is she this year, 60? 65?" Xiaoyuan guessed.

The last time Zhu Ehua appeared in public was as the chair of the Baihua Film Awards jury. The elderly lady had thick black hair, a slim figure, and well-defined lines, a few spots and wrinkles did nothing to diminish her charm.

"It's impolite to discuss a woman's age." Xiang Zhishi smiled.

"Haha, I'm just curious! Today is her birthday party." Xiaoyuan nudged his shoulder. "Brother is such a gentleman."

Xiang Zhishi spoke gently, "I wonder which gentleman can win my sister's favor?"

Xiaoyuan sighed, "In my heart, no man can compare to brother."

Xiang Zhishi nodded, "That's true."

At the courtyard entrance, someone was welcoming guests. Two young and handsome men in green and blue Tang suits were receiving guests and collecting gifts in an orderly manner.

There weren't many guests, and they included people of all ages, with men in Tang suits and women in qipaos. This was the dress code for tonight's banquet—unique and stylish.

The siblings naturally followed the host's requirements.

Xiang Zhishi was wearing a custom-made men's improved Tang suit, complete with a standing collar and jade buttons, and the back of his outfit showcased a qilin. The qilin symbolizes auspiciousness, which is a very good omen. He presented a gift and an invitation.

Inside the gift box was a jade bracelet, translucent and clear, part of Xiang Zhishi's collection.

They would be asking for a favor, so they had to show sincerity.

No, it's not that her brother is unwilling to ask for help. He was always the one attending social events.

Xiaoyuan suddenly felt a sharp pain in her throat and lowered her head slightly.

She didn't notice that the two young men welcoming guests stole a few glances at her. She wore a light green soft satin qipao that reached just below her knees, perfectly showing off her long, graceful calves. Her face was rosy and vibrant yet elegant.

After she linked arms with Xiang Zhishi and entered, their gazes followed her for a few seconds involuntarily.

This was a three-entry courtyard house. The entrance was located in the southeast corner, featuring a "Ruyi" door. Once inside, they passed a beautifully crafted screen wall and arrived at the front yard.

At the southernmost part was a row of houses, which used to be the quarters for servants or the family's schoolroom. Now, it served as a temporary lounge for guests to change clothes.

Further in was the "Hanging Flower Door." Xiang Zhishi pointed to the hanging columns above, shaped like drooping lotus buds, exquisitely beautiful, which explained its name.

Xiaoyuan let out a soft "Wow."

Along the way, many modern wall lamps have been installed, emitting a warm orange light. Several young men dressed in Tang suits are carrying trays, serving drinks.

After entering the Hanging Flower Door, there were three sides of rooms: the east and west wing and the main room. The main room had been converted into a large hall, and through the glass doors, she could see many people dancing gracefully. As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by the lively sounds of conversation. It turned out everyone had gathered here. Ms. Zhu Ehua had been in the entertainment industry for decades and had a wide circle of friends. Under the dazzling lights, the room was filled with the fragrance of fine clothing and the bustle of guests. There were not only business celebrities and entertainment moguls but also many foreign guests.

Xiaoyuan didn't recognize any of them, they were all unfamiliar faces, and she felt out of place.

The siblings' outstanding looks attracted many curious glances. Compared to Xiaoyuan's discomfort, Xiang Zhishi adapted much more calmly.

"Is brother going to socialize?" Xiaoyuan asks quietly.

However, Xiang Zhishi replies, "Let me take you to meet her."

'What? Huh? Why so sudden?'

"Wait, how does brother know where she is?"

"Um, wait, how should I address her?"

Xiaoyuan follows him nervously.

Zhu Ehua is well-known, but rumors say she's not easy to get along with. She doesn't like being addressed too formally or approached too casually.

"Just call her Teacher Zhu. In situations like this, she usually won't be in a crowded place, so she shouldn't be in the main hall." Xiang Zhishi guided her toward a small door on the east side of the main hall, passing through the courtyard wall and across the brick path. They arrived at the backyard.

After winding through several turns, Xiaoyuan felt dizzy. Suddenly, they arrived at a small courtyard, where a gnarled pomegranate tree with lush branches stood, its tips casting a faint moonlight shadow.

Suddenly, a woman's laughter is heard, lazy and without a hint of age, "Oh, Xiao Shitou [little stone.]"

Who would call her brother "Xiao Shitou" like this?

Xiaoyuan looks over in surprise.

Seeing a small pavilion, inside it is a stone table with a mahogany Empress chair beside it. A lady sits on the chair, with a smile on her face, looking at him.

Then she hears her brother chuckle slightly and call out, "Sister Ehua, happy birthday!"

Xiaoyuan was taken aback, stepping back a large step to steady herself. Who was her brother calling? Who was he addressing as "sister"?

The woman—no, the elderly lady—looked at her sideways.

Xiang Zhishi introduced, "This is my sister, Xiaoyuan. She's here to greet you."

Xiaoyuan took a deep breath, opened her mouth, hesitated for half a second, and finally said, "Teacher Zhu, hello."

It's really strange. This is her birthday party, with so many people celebrating for her, yet she doesn't want to join in.

Zhu Ehua smiled slightly, "This is your sister? She doesn't look like you."

Xiaoyuan felt a strange undertone in her words. Whether they looked alike wasn't for her to decide, and the tone felt odd.

"She is indeed my biological sister, both of the same parents." Xiang Zhishi replied.

Xiaoyuan's eyes flickered, and she pressed her lips together.

"Oh." Zhu Ehua nodded noncommittally. She was wearing a purple and peach-colored qipao, and although she had been reclining, she sat up slightly to look at Xiang Zhishi. Her figure remained slender and graceful, likely due to years of fitness, healthy eating, and diligent self-care, not to mention her natural beauty.

"It's been several years since we last met. I heard you were ill?"

"I had surgery two years ago, but I've fully recovered now."

"Ah, you really suffered."

"Life has its ups and downs, fortunately, I was able to recover."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Xiaoyuan felt increasingly out of place, as if she had become invisible.

At that moment, Xiang Zhishi glanced at her and then said to Zhu Ehua, "Sister Ehua, Xiaoyuan is also an actress. She has some questions about her performance, could you give her some guidance?"

Xiaoyuan was stunned, her face flushing red.

Public execution.

A carpenter facing Lu Ban.

A third-rate online writer up against Shakespeare.

Zhu Ehua had become the first international actress at just 25 years old. Xiaoyuan was also 25 this year and had acted in three online films.

"Sure." Zhu Ehua waved Xiaoyuan over, her tone relaxed. "Come over here."

Xiaoyuan looks at her brother, seeing an encouraging look, she can only silently and slowly move over.

"Which drama school did you graduate from?"

"Huaxi Academy."

"Oh..." Zhu Ehua replied nonchalantly again.

Now that she was closer, Xiaoyuan could see the marks of time on her face: the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, the subtle spots. Her makeup was light, and her skin still appeared delicate. The skin on the back of her hands was slightly wrinkled, but it wasn't unattractive.

Xiaoyuan felt she had gained a deeper understanding of beauty. For some women, the passage of time could actually be a gift.

While she was thinking, she noticed Zhu Ehua raise an eyebrow and look at her.

Those eyes still sparkled with vitality, youthful and bright.

Xiaoyuan straightened her back and said softly and clearly, "I always struggle with romantic scenes... There's something missing, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

Zhu Ehua let out a hearty laugh.

Xiaoyuan immediately fell silent, her face almost burning with embarrassment.

After laughing for a while, Zhu Ehua pointed at Xiang Zhishi and said, "Now I feel like you two siblings look alike, so cute."

Her description of "cute" didn't seem like it was directed towards a younger person, more like the tone used for a small pet.

Xiaoyuan felt awkward and embarrassed.

"Have you ever been in love? Loved someone?" Zhu Ehua suddenly asked.

'Uh...'

It seemed like these two words weren't in Xiaoyuan's dictionary. She hesitated, "...No."

"Hmm? Then have you ever played a role that made you fall hopelessly in love?"

Xiaoyuan replied, "Well, ... not yet."

Zhu Ehua rested her chin on her hand and looked at her. "What did your drama academy teach you?"

"Hmm, let me guess—'Truly listen, truly see, truly feel'?"

"Or maybe 'A character needs a sense of belief'?"

Xiaoyuan was momentarily stunned. This was indeed something that every teacher in the drama department emphasized. Could it be that all of that was wrong?

"Not at all." Zhu Ehua seemed to sense her inner thoughts. "If you've never loved anyone, how can you truly listen, love, and feel? Young lady," she said with a smile.

I can't guide you on this. If you find someone to fall in love with and experience the taste of loving someone, you'll naturally know how to act it."

Xiaoyuan: "..."

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