Chapter 128: The Note

I originally assumed that the new film brought by the superstar Aaron Zhang would be nothing more than a disc. However, when we entered a large room on the top floor of the villa, I realized I was wrong.

This was practically a small, luxury cinema! At one end of the room stood a professional movie screen, the four walls were lined with speakers, and in the center were several comfortable chairs. At the very back, there were actually two film projectors.

Was he really showing a movie?

Filled with curiosity, I sat down in one of the chairs. Aaron walked over to the projectors and whispered something to a manservant preparing the film. The servant looked at him with a gaze of pure reverence, nodding repeatedly.

On the floor beside the projectors sat a large leather suitcase, now open, revealing several rolls of film reels. Xu Shu and Hua Jingjing sat down intimately beside each other. A moment later, a maid brought over freshly brewed coffee and placed it before us.

After giving his instructions, Aaron walked to the front of the screen with a smile. He gazed at Xu Shu with deep affection and began to speak:

"Shu, Miss Hua, Mr. Tang. I am very happy to invite you all to watch my new film tonight. I worked very hard and put my heart and soul into this project, as it is the first film I have invested in, directed, and starred in myself. I have poured so much of myself into it, and I hope you find it satisfying. The inspiration for this movie came from a beautiful woman sitting here today. She is the fountainhead of my creativity and the driving force behind this production. I dedicate this film to the woman who gave me the courage and inspiration. Thank you!"

As he finished, he bowed to Xu Shu. Xu Shu quickly stood up and said, "Aaron..." The two looked at each other with such tenderness that it seemed as though a thousand words were being exchanged in their silent gaze.

My heart ached, and I hurriedly turned my head away to avoid looking at such a poignant scene. Hua Jingjing, on the other hand, giggled, looking as if she were genuinely happy for them.

The lights in the room were dimmed, and the movie began. But I had no heart for watching; I couldn't even follow the plot after a long while. I only knew it was a romance set in the 1920s or 30s.

My mind was entirely occupied by the affectionate look shared between Xu Shu and the superstar. It seemed they were truly in love! No wonder Xu Shu never made any indication of her feelings toward me—she was afraid that saying it out loud would hurt me, her friend.

I sighed, unable to help myself from glancing at Xu Shu. Her eyes were fixed on the screen, watching with intense focus. Her beautiful face, illuminated by the reflection of the screen, was filled with a dreamlike quality. I stared at her in a daze, completely unaware of what was playing on the screen.

I don't know how much time had passed. I pulled my gaze away, rose from my seat, and quietly walked out. Pushing the door open, I stepped outside. Not far away, I found a terrace and walked out into the night air.

I leaned against the railing, lit a cigarette, and smoked in silence. In front of me lay a dense forest, its silhouette lost in the pitch-black night.

I was reflecting on things; now that everything was clear, it was time to let go. Although I felt immense sadness, there was also a sliver of relief. This exceptional woman would never belong to me; it was time to give up. While people always long for the ethereal and the unattainable, one should hold firmly to the happiness right in front of them.

The happiness that belonged to me now was Hua Jingjing’s love. Being with her was easier and happier than being with anyone else, including Xu Shu. With such love, what more could I ask for?

After finishing the cigarette, I flicked away the butt, as if flicking away the last vestiges of my attachment to Xu Shu. I thought to myself, "That’s it. There’s nothing left to think about. Xu Shu was just a dream. Once the dream ends, life goes on as before; nothing will change."

I turned back and returned to the screening room. Just as I entered, the movie ended. The lights were turned on. Hua Jingjing stood up, wiping her eyes, and said to Aaron, "It was so moving! I cried so much. But why did the protagonist have to die? It would have been so much better if he hadn't!"

Xu Shu, however, had not shed any tears. She smiled at Aaron and said, "It was truly excellent, Aaron. After seeing this, I have even more confidence in you. I hope this film marks a peak in your career, and I hope you go on to create even greater works. I believe in you!"

Aaron was delighted and kept speaking with humble modesty. I couldn't find a way to interject, so I simply remained silent.

Once the viewing was over, a small cocktail party followed. Xu Shu opened champagne to celebrate the release of Aaron’s first self-directed film. Throughout the evening, the superstar was the center of attention, both on and off the screen. I was sidelined, barely even qualifying as a supporting actor. I didn't mind; I just wanted it to end soon so I could return to my ordinary life.

Hua Jingjing began asking the superstar for an autograph. Aaron readily agreed, but no one had paper or pens at hand. Xu Shu gave a faint smile and said, "Wait a moment. I'll go get some." With that, she turned and left the room.

A short while later, she returned with paper and a pen, smiling at Aaron. "Aaron, Jingjing is your loyal fan. You can't just sign your name and be done with it!"

Aaron took the paper and pen and laughed, "Of course, of course. I must write a note of thanks. What should I write?" He spread the paper on the small coffee table and prepared to write. Hua Jingjing excitedly leaned in to watch, calling out, "Just write 'To the beautiful and lovely Miss Hua Jingjing,' hehe!"

While they weren't paying attention, Xu Shu suddenly took a step back, stood next to me, and with a quick flick of her hand, slipped a note into my right hand.

I was startled and instinctively moved to look at it, but Xu Shu reached out and blocked me. I looked up at her, and she shook her head, signaling me not to look yet. She then immediately walked back to Hua Jingjing's side and asked, "What did you write?"

Aaron had just finished and picked up the paper, laughing, "My handwriting isn't very good, excuse me!" Hua Jingjing snatched it up immediately, saying, "It's perfect! I will treasure this forever!"

My heart was in turmoil as I gripped the note tightly in my palm. *This Xu Shu! Why do this to me at a time like this? What on earth is written on that note?*

Before I could process any of this, Hua Jingjing ran over to me, happily saying, "Tang Qian, look! Aaron signed a message for me!"

My heart was a tangled mess. I glanced at the paper without really seeing what was written and said, "Yeah, that's great!"

Hua Jingjing ran back to Xu Shu, and the two women began chatting away. I had no interest in listening; all my attention was focused on my right hand. I was gripping it so tightly that my palm was sweating.

*Why? You clearly have no interest in me, yet you keep leaving me unsettled. You clearly love the superstar, yet you secretly slip me a note. What is this? Do you want me to keep suffering like this? If you don't love me, why provoke me? What am I, Tang Qian, to you?*

Though I resented Xu Shu, the contents of the note acted like a powerful magnet. I was desperate to know what it said, so much so that I couldn't bear to stay any longer.

I turned to Hua Jingjing and said, "Jingjing, you have your autograph now. It's getting late, let's take our leave."

Hua Jingjing looked confused. "Leave? Now?" She then immediately misunderstood my intentions, her face flushing slightly. "But... I still have things to talk about with Shu. Why are you... in such a hurry?"

Xu Shu stepped in to help me: "Jingjing, I think that's enough for today. I have a video call with an American director about a script later, so I probably won't have time to accompany you much longer. It's better to head back early. Aaron, you've been on a plane for several hours today; you must be tired too. You should head back to the hotel to rest."

Aaron hesitated. "Shu! But tonight... I have something very important I want to tell you in private."

Xu Shu was taken aback. "Is there something that can't wait until tomorrow? I really have things to do tonight!"

Aaron looked at her with deep emotion. "I don't think anything is as important as what I have to say. Shu, I just want to be alone with you. I only need ten minutes."

Hua Jingjing and I immediately realized what Aaron was about to say. Hua Jingjing laughed, "Oh! We should definitely go. It's not great to be a third wheel here! Tee-hee!"

Xu Shu looked slightly flustered. She called out, "Jingjing..."

Hua Jingjing ignored her, grabbed my arm, and laughed at them, "You two just stay here alone; no need to see us out. Aaron! Good luck! I'm rooting for you!"

Xu Shu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She turned back to look at Aaron. Aaron watched her with an affectionate smile. Xu Shu lowered her head and whispered, "Then... just ten minutes..."

Hua Jingjing dragged me out of the villa and into the car. Once inside, she giggled excitedly, "By now, the superstar must be holding a diamond ring, kneeling on the ground to propose to Shu! Oh, I'm so envious of them; true lovers have finally been united. They are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven..."

I didn't reply, still gripping the note tightly in my hand, thinking, *If Xu Shu accepts Aaron's proposal, then whatever is written on this note will have no meaning. But looking at the deep affection between them, everything seems to have come to a natural conclusion; it seems there is nothing left that could stop them. Perhaps this is the best outcome. Everyone gets what they want, and as for me, I am finally free.*

The Ferrari soon drove out of the estate and onto the mountain road. For some reason, Hua Jingjing didn't mention anything about our intimate plans again. And I certainly had no mood for that.

Before long, the car arrived downstairs at my apartment. As I was about to get out, Hua Jingjing suddenly called out, "Tang Qian!"

I turned back to look at her. She gazed deeply at me and said, "Promise me, will you give me the same kind of happiness Aaron is giving Shu?"

Looking at this sweet woman who loved me so deeply, my heart softened. No matter what happened, I could not let her down! I thought to myself that what was written on the note no longer mattered. The only things that mattered were the person in front of me and the happiness at hand—she was the most important person in my life, the one I should cherish most!

My mind cleared. I looked her in the eyes and said sincerely, "Jingjing! I promise you, you will be the happiest woman in the world!"

Hua Jingjing smiled happily, leaned in, and we shared a passionate kiss.

After she drove away, I walked up the stairs, unfolding my palm. The note had become half-damp from my sweat. Although I no longer cared about the content, I was still curious: what could Xu Shu have possibly written to me, sneaking around like a thief?

I carefully opened the folded note and held it up to the sensor light. In Xu Shu’s rushed, messy handwriting, it read: *Are we still friends? If we are, call me as soon as you get home!*

Below the message was a mobile phone number, but two of the digits were smeared and nearly illegible from my sweaty palm.