American Horror Story: A Tale of Terror from Silent Hill

Chapter 167 Experience
"I can't believe it, this can't be real. I actually...did it."

Even now, Claire still feels like she's dreaming; it all came too easily.

It's like a beautiful dream, one that one doesn't want to wake up from.

Although she was very happy, Claire did not forget that Baling had also played a part in it.

He gave himself the courage to go for the interview.

"Thank you, Baling. Without your help, I would have failed. If you hadn't come out and stopped me, letting me in for the interview, I might be a shameful deserter now, slinking back to New York. But none of that would have happened."

Claire expressed her sincere gratitude, saying that sometimes, people are just one push away from success, and Baling provided just that.

We need to give it a big push!
"You're welcome, it's what I should do. I don't want to miss out on a good dancer. Also, if you want to express your gratitude, why not come with me for a walk? We'll be partners from now on, so it's a good opportunity to get to know each other better."

Baling scooped up a few spoonfuls of matcha parfait and sent out a team invitation, which Claire gladly accepted.

"Nice to meet you, my partner."

"Claire, although we haven't known each other for long, I have a feeling that we'll have amazing chemistry. We'll be a great combination, believe me."

“Of course, I’m looking forward to it too.” Claire smiled sweetly.

……

A local restaurant.

The two sat facing each other, the table laden with food.

"Baling, you may not know this, but when I met you for the second time, you really impressed me. I never expected that you would be one of the examiners, and a professional dancer at that."

"I thought you were just a young, rich man. You didn't seem like a dancer to me, but more like... one of those celebrities who appear on TV or in newspapers, the kind of socialites who sit in the VIP section."

Claire poured out her heart.

Baling: "Your feeling is quite accurate to some extent."

Claire asked curiously, "Oh? Tell me more."

Since that's the case, then there's no need to hide it anymore.

Baling began to reveal only the tip of the iceberg of its great undertaking.

“Although I am quite wealthy, I have always kept a low profile. But secretly, I have always been passionate about philanthropy, and I also have a charitable foundation in my name.”

"I regard money as dirt, and I only want the poor to be able to live with dignity."

"You might not believe it, but I've always dreamed of making the world a better place, and I'm working tirelessly towards that goal."

Listening to Baling's words, Claire opened her phone's browser and searched for related terms. To her surprise, she discovered that Baling was telling the truth; he really was a great philanthropist and had even been selected as America's "Rising Star of Philanthropy" this year.

He has sponsored several orphanages and provided countless forms of assistance to marginalized people in society.

A man from an ordinary background, an orphan since childhood, but through his own efforts and struggles, he worked his way up from scratch in society and, after achieving some success, never forgot to give back to society.

He was so inspiring, unlike anyone else in America.

And even with such a busy schedule, he still manages to focus on dance and develop remarkable skills; he's practically a superman!
Claire was greatly shocked. With Baling's presence, this ordinary meal suddenly felt high-class.

Unconsciously, Claire straightened her posture slightly, trying her best to look more formal.

Then, she remembered something else.

"I remember you said before that you are also a singer, is that true?"

“It’s definitely true. Claire, to be honest, my family has a whole orchestra. You must come and see it if you have the chance.”

"Shocking, astonishing."

“These are insignificant achievements, far from my real career.” Even with his tremendous success, Baling seemed to think that it was not enough.

While admiring him, Claire couldn't help but feel curious about the story behind Baling and the beliefs that had sustained him all the way.

"If I may ask, Mr. Baling, what is the secret to your achievements?"

Baling paused, as if thinking, and after a few seconds continued, "Hiss! That was indeed a bit presumptuous."

"I'm sorry," Claire apologized first, then quickly tried to salvage the situation, "It was my fault, forget I said anything."

"It is love. It is the great love for humanity that has sustained me all the way. Difficulties and pain can never defeat me, because I believe that the power of love is infinite."

When Baling spoke, the sincerity in his eyes shone like bright stars, making it impossible for Claire, who was looking at him, to look away.

So realistic!
It is a truth that is even purer than innocence!
His gaze was intense, but Claire couldn't escape it.

"...Do you say that to everyone?"

"No! I only open my heart to those who deserve to be loved. At other times, I'm better at letting my actions speak for themselves."

For example, punching a villain to death. Of course, Baling didn't reveal the hidden meaning behind it.

“Claire, it’s my turn to ask you a presumptuous question. Would you be willing…”

"I do not have a boyfriend."

Huh? No, sis, I didn't ask you that!
What Baling wanted to ask was whether Claire was willing to pay a tiny price for the safety of humanity—to die once.

Baling fell silent in response to Claire's unsolicited answer.

His combo was interrupted, and he needs some time to sort out his thoughts.

Three seconds later, Baling's expression turned serious: "What a coincidence, I don't have any either."

Unfortunately, Baling is sometimes not good at speaking and doesn't know how to politely refuse others, a shortcoming that often troubles him.

Suddenly, Claire grabbed Baling's hand.

Baling looked bewildered, seemingly at a loss for what to do.

Her hands were somewhat cold, not warm, but Baling could hear the beating of a heart, a heartbeat that was passionate and sincere.

Claire clasped her hands, her tone earnest: "Your eyes are so bright, like stars. You've brought me good luck, and I hope I can hold onto it."

A man who is rich, handsome, talented, kind-hearted, and speaks sweetly is a rare find these days.

It must have been a special fate that brought them together.

Claire felt she had grasped the future.

"My heart has been given to the world, and I can no longer give you my whole heart."

“I don’t mind. That’s part of your charm.”

Since things have come to this point, there's nothing more that can be done.

To save the world, perhaps this was a necessary sacrifice. Baling struggled for three seconds before deciding to sacrifice himself, and then responded:

"Meeting you is my good fortune. I have been waiting for the person who will dance gracefully to the accompaniment of the orchestra and to the sound of my singing."

"I'm certain that I've waited for this moment."

Baling took Claire's hand, and their hands clasped together, their unspoken message clear.

The atmosphere grew increasingly ambiguous, and the two slowly closed the distance between them.

(End of this chapter)