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The Spring Festival Gala will be broadcast live on New Year's Eve.

Charlotte stood backstage, her palms sweaty.

He could hear the music from the stage in front of him, the applause from the audience, and the host's voice as he spoke.

Next to her, Sister Na patted Xia Luo on the shoulder and handed him a bottle of water, saying, "Don't be nervous, just treat it like a regular rehearsal."

Charlotte took the water, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip.

The icy water went down my throat, but my heart was still racing.

Suddenly, he remembered his past life. At this moment, he was holed up in that old house in Xihong City, watching TV alone and drinking alone.

In this lifetime, he stood backstage at the Spring Festival Gala, about to face the entire nation.

"Sister Na," Charlotte suddenly spoke up, "don't you think a person's life is all about fate?"

Sister Na paused for a moment, then laughed, "What are you thinking about at such a young age?"

Charlotte shook her head and said nothing more.

The music started, the lights came on, and the staff waved to them, signaling them to come on stage.

Na-jie took Xia Luo's hand and strode towards the stage, saying, "Let's go."

After that night, Charlotte became famous.

The whole nation remembers that face and that song.

The cassette tapes sold out, were played on the radio every day, and were played everywhere.

Zhang Yang called, his voice trembling with excitement: "Luo'er! You were on the Spring Festival Gala! My whole family saw it!"

Da Chun chuckled sheepishly on the other end of the phone: "Xia Luo, you're really something."

When Qiuya called, her voice was trembling. "Xia Luo, you're amazing. I love talented men like you."

Charlotte smiled but didn't say anything, mainly because he didn't know what to say.

I have everything I dreamed of in my past life.

But once you actually have it, it doesn't seem like such a big deal.

……

In a city in southern China, Ma Dongmei watched the Spring Festival Gala replay over and over again in her rented room.

On the TV screen, Xia Luo and Na Jie stood on the stage, the lights shining on Xia Luo's face, making him look spirited and triumphant.

Ma Dongmei stared blankly at that familiar yet unfamiliar face for a long time.

The woman next to her was eating sunflower seeds and muttering, "Isn't this your classmate? What's his name again..."

“Charlotte,” Ma Dongmei said.

"Yes, yes, Charlotte. She's really successful now, she's on the Spring Festival Gala!" Ma's mother suddenly said with deep emotion, "Weren't you two getting along really well back then? Why did you lose contact later?"

Ma Dongmei didn't say anything.

On TV, after Charlotte finished singing the last line, the audience erupted in applause.

Then Charlotte bowed, waved to the audience, and smiled brightly.

Ma Dongmei turned off the TV with mixed feelings.

The room fell silent instantly.

The sound of firecrackers came from downstairs, but it was sparse and not as lively as in Beijing.

Ma's mother muttered a few more words before going back to her room to sleep.

Ma Dongmei sat on the edge of the bed, watching the fireworks outside the window.

Sparks exploded in the night sky, lit up briefly, and then went out.

She recalled the time a while ago when she rushed into the grove with a brick, and Charlotte's house lights were on.

Charlotte didn't know; he knew nothing.

Now Xia Luo is famous, a big star, and has even won over Qiu Ya.

Ma Dongmei works in a small factory in this southern city, earning only a few hundred yuan a month.

My phone suddenly rang.

It was an unfamiliar number calling from Beijing.

Ma Dongmei answered the phone, "Hello? Who is it?"

"Dongmei? I'm Su Ning."

Ma Dongmei was stunned for a moment.

Suning? That transfer student?

Since the college entrance examination, we've lost touch. How did Suning find out my number?
"Suning? How did you get my phone number?"

"I asked Dachun for it," Su Ning said on the other end of the phone. "Dongmei, where are you working now?"

Ma Dongmei hesitated for a moment, then said, "In the south, a small factory."

"What are the benefits like?"

"It's alright!"

Su Ning was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Dongmei, I would like to invite you to work in Beijing."

Ma Dongmei was stunned. "What?"

"I've registered a film and television company for my girlfriend, Yan Ruyu. She'll be making movies and will need someone to manage it for her. So, I'd like to ask you to be her agent."

Ma Dongmei was speechless for a long time.

Agent? What kind of job is that?
Thinking to herself, "I'm just a factory worker on an assembly line, and I don't even know what an agent does. Su Ning, are you sure you're not mistaken? I don't know anything about this industry."

“If you don’t understand, you can learn. Yan Ruyu also started from scratch, so let’s figure it out together.”

"But……"

"Dongmei," Su Ning interrupted Ma Dongmei, "Do you believe me?"

Ma Dongmei didn't speak. She remembered the transfer student in her mind. He didn't talk much, was quiet, and didn't have a strong presence in the class.

But later I heard that Suning got a perfect score on the college entrance exam, but instead of going to Tsinghua or Peking University, he applied to the Beijing Film Academy.

Later, I heard that his girlfriend was the most beautiful girl at the Beijing Film Academy, drove a BMW, and lived in a courtyard house.

This person has never been simple.

"Dongmei?"

"Yes." Ma Dongmei came back to her senses.

"Come to Beijing! Stop wasting your time there. You can have a much more exciting life."

Ma Dongmei's nose suddenly felt a little sore. "Okay."

After hanging up the phone, Ma Dongmei sat on the edge of the bed and looked out the window.

The sound of firecrackers was still going off, and someone was setting off fireworks downstairs.

Then, Ma Dongmei went into the bedroom and said to her sleeping mother, "Mom, I'm going to Beijing."

"What? What are you going to the capital for?"

Ma Dongmei thought for a moment, "Someone introduced me to a job."

Ma's mother didn't ask any more questions, knowing that the place was too small and not suitable for her daughter at all. "Be careful! Take good care of yourself, and don't act impulsively again if something happens."

"Yes, I've learned my lesson. I'll never do anything stupid again."

Then Ma Dongmei began packing her luggage.

There wasn't much to pack; a few changes of clothes were all her belongings.

Ma Dongmei filled her suitcase, placed it at the corner of the bed, then lay down and stared at the ceiling.

My mind is a mess, thinking about Beijing and Suning.

Why would Suning help her? Ma Dongmei couldn't understand.

But Ma Dongmei never dwells on things she can't understand.

I'd rather leave this place and go anywhere.

……

On the day Ma Dongmei arrived in Beijing, Su Ning and Yan Ruyu personally went to the train station to pick her up.

Ma Dongmei stood at the exit, pulling her suitcase, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings.

Yan Ruyu, wearing a beige trench coat, stood next to the silver-gray BMW and waved to her.

Ma Dongmei was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening. She quickly walked over and said, "Su Ning."

"Dongmei, this is my girlfriend, Yan Ruyu. She's a student in the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy, class of '96."

"Hello, Yan Ruyu! I am Ma Dongmei."

"Just call me Chenchen."

Ma Dongmei looked at the car, hesitant to get in. "Su Ning, is this your car?"

"Suning bought it for me." Yan Ruyu smiled beside her. "Get in the car! Let's go home first."

Ma Dongmei sat in the leather seat, unsure of what to do with her hands.

Outside the car window, the skyscrapers of Beijing stretched out one after another, making her feel a little dazed.

While Su Ning was driving, Yan Ruyu was chatting with Ma Dongmei. "Dongmei, the company has just been registered, and I'm the only artist. I'll be relying on your help from now on."

Ma Dongmei felt even more uncertain. "Chenchen, I don't even know what an agent does. How can I help?"

Yan Ruyu smiled and said, "It's okay, I'll learn slowly. I also started from scratch and didn't know anything. Su Ning said that if you don't know something, you should learn it until you do."

At this moment, Su Ning, who was driving, explained to the bewildered Ma Dongmei, "Actually, the entertainment industry is very chaotic, and all sorts of messy things happen, so it's most appropriate to arrange for someone you trust to be on your side."

"..."

Soon, the car turned into Shichahai and stopped in front of a courtyard house.

Ma Dongmei got out of the car and stared at the vermilion gate for a long time without moving.

Yan Ruyu pulled her inside, passing through one courtyard after another.

With its blue bricks and gray tiles, winding corridors, and the crabapple trees in the center of the courtyard sprouting new branches.

Ma Dongmei suddenly remembered the small two-bedroom apartment her family had sold, and her nose felt a little sore.

At this moment, Yan Ruyu smiled and said to Ma Dongmei, "Dongmei, you will stay in the east wing. Everything is ready."

Ma Dongmei nodded without saying anything.

She pulled her suitcase, went into the east wing, and put her things down.

The room wasn't big, but it was spotless, and the sheets and blankets were all new. Standing by the window, looking at the crabapple blossoms in the yard, I suddenly felt as if I had truly made a new beginning.

In the days that followed, Ma Dongmei began her bumpy and uncertain life as a talent agent.

She doesn't understand anything.

They can't read contracts, can't schedule appointments, and don't know how to talk to people.

When Ma Dongmei first discussed collaboration with the production team, they asked her what works Yan Ruyu had done. She hesitated for a long time before saying that she was still studying at the Beijing Film Academy.

The other person laughed, knowing that this was a complete novice.

Ma Dongmei came out with a flushed face and stood at the door for a long time without moving.

After returning home, I immediately devoured several books on real estate agents until midnight.

Although she recognized the individual characters, she didn't quite understand them when they were put together.

The revenue sharing, scheduling, and business terms were giving her a headache.

But Ma Dongmei remained silent and gritted her teeth to learn.

Sometimes when Yan Ruyu saw her staying up late, she would bring her a cup of hot water and say, "Dongmei, don't overwork yourself, take it slow."

Ma Dongmei shook her head. "It's alright, I'll take another look."

Sometimes Su Ning would drink tea in the courtyard, watching Ma Dongmei rushing in and out, but he wouldn't say much.

Suddenly, I realized that Ma Dongmei had a certain energy about her, completely different from Yan Ruyu.

Yan Ruyu is water, while Ma Dongmei is fire.

One time, Ma Dongmei couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Su Ning, why are you helping me?"

Su Ning thought for a moment, "Because you shouldn't have been in that place."

Ma Dongmei didn't understand, but she didn't ask again.

……

Now that "My Fair Princess" has finished filming, Aunt Qiong has begun to officially prepare for the second installment.

When the news reached the Beijing Film Academy that Yan Ruyu had been cast as Princess Qing'er, many students became envious.

Yan Ruyu remained calm, attending classes and rehearsing as usual.

Ma Dongmei was much more nervous than her, studying the script every day and memorizing Qing'er's lines even better than Yan Ruyu.

Yan Ruyu laughed at her: "Dongmei, it's not like you're the one acting, why do you know it so well?"

Ma Dongmei said in a serious tone, "Just in case you forget your lines, I can remind you."

Looking at Ma Dongmei's serious expression, Yan Ruyu suddenly understood why Su Ning had asked her to come.

This person is reliable.

In early April, Aunt Qiong arranged to meet with Su Ning.

The clubhouse is the same one as last time; it's very private and not open to the public.

Aunt Qiong arrived early, which shows she had something important to do.

After Su Ning arrived, Aunt Qiong said directly, "Su Ning, the reason I invited you here is to ask you for a favor."

Suning sat down without saying a word.

Aunt Qiong poured him a cup of tea. "My Fair Princess is scheduled to premiere on CTV in Taiwan in April. I've poured all my heart and soul into this show, and it can't fail. So, I'd like to ask you to set up a feng shui arrangement to ensure its instant success."

Suning picked up his teacup and almost burst out laughing.

He naturally knew that "My Fair Princess" would be a hit.

How popular was it? So popular that even more than a decade later, people still remember Little Swallow; so popular that it's been re-broadcast countless times and people still watch it.

Even if you do nothing, let alone arrange a feng shui layout, it will still explode.

But Suning couldn't say that; they couldn't possibly refuse such an incredible opportunity.

Then Su Ning put down her teacup, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Aunt Qiong, have you chosen a date?"

"Not yet, I'd like to ask you to place the order."

Suning counted on his fingers, pretending to do some calculations, "April 28th, auspicious day. The premiere will be auspicious on this day."

"Anything else?" Aunt Qiong's eyes lit up, and she quickly wrote it down.

"Also," Su Ning added, "the broadcast in mainland China must be scheduled for October 28th. That would be auspicious."

Aunt Qiong nodded repeatedly, "Then should we set up an array? Should we perform a ritual?"

Su Ning shook her head. "It's a small matter! No need to make it so complicated. Just choose the right day."

Aunt Qiong was skeptical, but she believed it anyway.

This man had saved her life with a single act, and Aunt Qiong dared not disbelieve his words.

As Su Ning emerged from the clubhouse, she stood at the entrance, gazing at the springtime in Beijing.

Suddenly I felt a little guilty about earning this ten million.

I didn't have to do anything; I just set a date for them.

But even if the date isn't set, it's still the same date.

Su Ning smiled, got into the car, and thought to himself, "The life of a charlatan is definitely the best."

……

Inside the courtyard house, Yan Ruyu was memorizing her lines.

Ma Dongmei listened from the side, occasionally interjecting, "Ruyu, when you say 'Qing'er greets the Empress Dowager,' you have to smile, but not too broadly. Qing'er is a lady from a respectable family, so you have to keep a proper distance."

Yan Ruyu did it again, "Like this?"

"Take it a little tighter! It's a bit unnatural."

Yan Ruyu did it again.

Ma Dongmei nodded. "That's about right. Why don't you practice in front of the mirror some more?"

"Alright."

Suning walked in and happened to see this scene.

Standing under the eaves, watching the two women, I suddenly felt that the courtyard had become lively.

"Su Ning," Yan Ruyu looked up and saw Su Ning, "What does Aunt Qiong want with you?"

"The premiere date for 'My Fair Princess' has been set."

"When?"

April 28th.

Yan Ruyu nodded and continued memorizing her lines.

Ma Dongmei whispered from the side, "April 28th, isn't that coming soon?"

Su Ning hummed in agreement, sat down on the veranda, and brewed a pot of tea.

Sunlight streamed into the courtyard, where the crabapple blossoms were in full bloom.

Spring in the capital city unfolds slowly, and fate begins to turn.

……

Not long after, Qiuya also arrived in the capital.

After all, she had already decided to accept Charlotte, who was now a highly eligible bachelor.

Qiuya, wearing a white down jacket and a red scarf, stood at the exit of the train station and waved to Xia Luo when she saw him.

Charlotte walked over and took Qiuya's luggage.

The two of them stood there, suddenly unsure of what to say.

Finally, Xia Luo looked at Qiu Ya with excitement and said, "Qiu Ya, let's find a place to stay first."

"Mm." Qiuya nodded.

Then, Qiuya and Xia Luo got together, rented an apartment in the city center, registered a company, and were busy every day.

Qiuya is very capable. She became Xia Luo's agent and could handle everything from negotiating collaborations and securing performances to arranging schedules.

Sometimes, when Xia Luo watched Qiu Ya busy herself with various tasks, he would suddenly remember that in his past life, he had never even held her hand.

Back then, Qiuya was the school beauty, high and mighty, and he didn't even have the courage to talk to her.

Moreover, at that time, Qiuya only had eyes for Yuan Hua, the district chief's son. How could she possibly give this little hoodlum a second glance?
Now, Qiuya is Xia Luo's manager, spending every day with him, arranging his life, and managing his career.

One day, Qiuya suddenly looked at Xia Luo and said, "Xia Luo, let's get married."

Charlotte was stunned for a moment, staring at her with a look of astonishment.

Although it was something I longed for most, I didn't feel happy at all for some reason.

Suddenly, I thought of my wife from my previous life, Ma Dongmei. I wondered how Ma Dongmei was doing after she failed to get into university.

Did she have a more fulfilling life even though she didn't marry him?
Qiuya's face flushed slightly, and she didn't notice Xia Luo's unusual expression. "What's wrong? You don't want to?"

"Yes! This is something I've always dreamed of."

The wedding was very simple.

I treated a few friends to a meal, Zhang Yang was the best man, and Da Chun was in charge of setting off firecrackers.

Many of Charlotte's close friends came, making their wedding a lively and joyous occasion.

I just don't know what Charlotte was thinking, that she didn't invite Su Ning.

Zhang Yang, drunk, put his arm around Xia Luo's shoulder and slurred, "Luo'er, you've finally made it big. I knew from the start that you were no ordinary person."

Da Chun nodded sheepishly beside him.

Charlotte held her wine glass, looking at the people around her.

Qiuya wore a pure white wedding dress, smiled sweetly, and felt like the happiest woman in the world.

However, Charlotte suddenly felt a little dazed.

In his past life, Xia Luo was just an ordinary loser who had never even held Qiu Ya's hand.

In this life, Qiuya is Xia Luo's wife.

Zhang Yang, who was standing next to her, downed another glass of wine and still held Xia Luo tightly. "Luo'er, let me tell you, you're a star now, but you can't forget your brothers."

Charlotte smiled. "Don't worry! I'll never forget it."

But now, there's always an empty feeling in his heart.

I can't quite put my finger on it, it's just empty.

...(End of this chapter)