The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 10: Future Plans

Halfway through his responsibility of receiving guests, Lu Lingxuan noticed that Yin Chang was getting tired. She made up an excuse for him and sent him to a room to rest.

Entering the room, Yin Chang walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling windows and gazed down at the city’s 10,000 lights. Sighing softly, he didn’t understand the people at the memorial service. One minute, they were all red-eyed crying in grief and the next minute, they were so lively and smiling. Was it all an act, or were people just callous and cold?

With a slight touch to his hand, Lu Lingxuan appeared next to him with a cup of hot coffee: “Are you tired? If you are, I will arrange for a car to take you home.”

“No.” Yin Chang took the cup and drank slowly. Today was his father’s memorial service. If it was anyone else, they could leave, but he could not.

Standing next to him, Lu Lingxuan realized he was feeling better: “I just took a picture of you.”

“What picture?” Yin Chang looked at her sideways.

Lu Lingxuan handed him her mobile phone. On the screen, there was a picture of Yin Chang’s back while he was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window looking outside.

Since no lights were turned on inside the room, his image was only illuminated by the countless city lights from outside. The indigo hue of the light clearly defined Yin Chang’s silhouette. His black suit accentuated his long legs, broad shoulders and narrow waist, making him appear even taller. Despite looking like a young emperor who was peering over his kingdom from high on his throne, Yin Chang’s image revealed a sense of indescribable loneliness.

When Lu Lingxuan entered the room, she thought the image was very striking so she took out her phone and took his picture.

“I think it’s pretty cool. But, if you don’t like it, I’ll delete it.” Lu Lingxuan said.

“If you like it, just keep it.” “Yin Chang said absent-mindedly and returned her phone. He turned to look out the window once again.

After the memorial service, Yao Manhuai personally drove Yin Chang back to his apartment.

Watching his desolate and blank expression, Yao Manhuai felt it was time to ask him about his future plans: “Now that the business with your father was settled, have you ever thought about what to do next?”

“I haven’t thought about it…” Although Yao Manhuai and Yang Jiajia manage the company’s affairs, there were numerous other industries that his father was involved with. It was impossible for Yin Chang to be at the forefront of them all.

Over the past few days since his return from the accident site, he had thought about asking Yao Manhuai for information about the entertainment industry. He wondered whether he should learn a little about management or not. He just didn’t know where to start.

Yao Manhuai asked him: “If Yin Dong hadn’t been on that plane, what were your plans for the future?

Yin Chang had attended a multi-faceted private high school where he not only studied academics, but also a wide range of sports and hobbies. There, he learned how to speak four languages and engaged in niche sports like polo, fencing and Muay Thai. When his father was free, he often took Yin Chang around the world to experience extreme sports like skydiving to exercise his determination and mental fortitude.

In addition, in his free-time, Yin Chang taught himself many life skills. He learned various culinary arts in order to bake desserts for a past girlfriend that liked cakes. Another time, he learned how to bartend and mix cocktails for a girl that liked fancy drinks. Even though he was qualified to get a certification, he didn’t bother to get one after they had broken up.

A wealthy family can provide an extremely enriching environment without the need to think about working for a living. All one needed to do was simply think about something you wanted to try and then go do it.

After graduating from high school, Yin Chang planned to go to a liberal arts college and study humanities. There, he had planned to take courses in philosophy, art and music. Even though a degree in humanities wasn’t very conducive for finding a normal job, Yin Chang wanted to study the subject because he found it very interesting.

His first course of action was to take courses in photography and art history. During the winter break, he had planned to travel to Italy and Spain to document his trip and take photographs of architecture. But, the accident happened and all of his plans for the future were interrupted.

“I think … What I wanted to do wasn’t so important. I should do something for my father. Aunt Yao, what do you think?”

“I think you are right,” Yao Manhuai replied and asked further: “I have a suggestion, do you want to hear it?”

“What advice do you have for me?” Yin Chang humbly asked.

Yao Manhuai firmly suggested: “Like your father, how about being a star?”

“….Huh?” Her suggestion was somewhat unexpected.

While driving, Yao Manhuai explained her reasoning to Yin Chang: “In the entertainment business over the years, your father has accumulated many resources and assets. While you can inherit money and property, intangible things like contacts aren’t easy to come by. It will be difficult to sustain those connections if you don’t follow in his path. Since I was the one by his side as he rose in fame, I know how hard he worked and how difficult it was to establish himself. I don’t want to see his connection to the industry disappear.”

“But…… Show business is really hard.” Yin Chang frowned.

Yao Manhuai looked at Yin Chang’s expression and guessed his thoughts: “Yin Chang, I know your Father spent very little time with you while you were growing up. And, I know you probably complained about it, but please don’t misunderstood. He had sacrificed his time with you to do something that was more relevant globally. For more than a decade, he has worked hard to make meaningful films. He had succeeded in becoming a famous actor and left a legacy of classic films.”

Yu Chang understood that it was Yin Dong’s choice. Presumably, it was something he liked to do.

Yao Manhuai remarked: “But as a public figure, you have to assume the corresponding social responsibility. He can use his resources and power to help those in need and help the world become a better place. From nature conservation, to gay rights, to disaster relief and other fund-raising events, he participated in a variety of charitable causes. Even his accident; he was on his way to film for a public service..…”

Indeed, Yin Dong was traveling to Kenya to make a public interest film about wildlife conservation.

As a famous actor, Yin Dong used to film on-set in his studio in Taiwan. But being dedicated to a good cause, in later years, he decided he needed to travel to the location himself and film on-site. To be honest, Yin Chang would have wanted his father to be selfish and stay home to film so nothing would have happened.

“I’m not asking you to be as successful as your father. With the connections and resources he has passed on to you, you can reach a level that no one else can.  If you commit yourself to acting, you will be able to understand the industry better and thus, be better equipped to take over your father’s business.”

Yin Chang hesitated and said: “But I don’t know anything about being a movie star.”

Yin Chang didn’t have the same voice and dance training that was necessary for entertainers. He learned a little hip-hop and ballroom dancing while attending school and he sang karaoke at KTV, but acting… He can’t even tell a lie to his housekeeper, Fiona.

Yao Manhuai explained: “A star is a dream-making career for fans, but it’s not just one person. Behind a star’s success lies countless people working diligently behind the scenes. Even your father had a team. There was me, Yang JIajia, and all the people from Yin Dong’s studio…..”

In this era with social media, the entertainment industry functioned differently compared to the past when Yin Dong was a rising star. Yao Manhuai wanted Yin Chang to do the opposite of what his father did. Start small and then cultivate his professional qualities slowly by producing quality works to build a positive reputation.

Moreover, unlike stars who have deliberately shaped their lives to become famous, Yin Chang was naturally attractive. He could gain enormous popularity just by being in public. Of course, it was too early to tell him about these matters with him.

Yao Manhuai said: “I don’t need you to do anything now, as long as you have the will, I have the ability to make you a star.

Listening to Yao Manhuai’s vow, Yin Chang was also swayed.

Yao Manhuai added: “To be honest, most of the news that came out on your way to Kenya was orchestrated and manipulated by Nova Entertainment.” After she told Yin Chang about her arrangements, he was very surprised.

“I did it largely for your father because I wanted people to remember him always. The news kept him in the minds of the masses and building on that momentum, his memorial service was a great success. I hope more people will remember him and mourn him. Of course, I’m not trying to waylay you. If you are opposed to the added attention, I can remove your presence from media outlets and over time, people will forget about you. Then, you will be able to return to your old life abroad and live peacefully out-of-site and out-of-mind. On the contrary, if living in the spotlight doesn’t bother you, then I can assure you that you will find success in the entertainment industry. I’m here to help you in any way, whether it’s for advice or solving problems, I’ll always be there for support.”

For such a life changing decision, Yao Manhuai couldn’t ask him for an immediate answer.

As they approached the Huaihe apartment complex, she said: ” For the next few days, take your time to think about it seriously and let me know what you decide later. I’m not in a rush for an answer.”

___________________

next chapter >>

The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 9: Wanting to See Brother

“The day before yesterday, Yin Dong was supposed to pick up Shao Junling. We were afraid he wouldn’t be able to accept the facts and had been keeping the news quiet until yesterday. By accident, he saw the news being broadcasted on the TV in the common room.” Thinking of yesterday’s events, the Caretaker looked at Shao Junling with sympathy and sighed.

The Welfare Institution had limited resources and thus, they were understaffed and had limited programs for the children. As a result, children were highly competitive and prone to acting out. Even if the teachers repeatedly scold them for poor behavior and specifically taught them proper etiquette and social norms, living a tough life inevitably lead to hardships and heightened an instinct to survive. It was evident that people higher up on the ladder had power while the people below them did not.

Shao Junling’s life wasn’t easy and in the past, he frequently acted out.  Over the past six months, Yin Dong’s favoritism and kindness affected him deeply. As a result, the other children felt very jealous. While some of the other children remained quiet, some even flattered Shao Junling to try and curry his favor, but when they learned something had happened to Yin Dong, all of the other children immediately relished in Shao Junling’s misfortune.

While the teachers weren’t paying attention, several older children deliberately tuned the TV to the news station and showed it to Shao Junling. One of the older boys confronted him face-to-face and told Shao Junling that he was his nemesis. If the teacher hadn’t arrived in time to stop the incident, Shao Junling would have fought with everyone.

Last night, Shao Junling’s caseworker brought him to her dormitory. He had stayed up most of the night crying and didn’t sleep until early morning when exhaustion over took him. The next morning, he was unresponsive. Walling himself off, he had buried his feelings within himself and resisted communication with the outside world.

When the Women found news of Yin Dong’s memorial on the Internet, she told Shao Junling about it and was relieved to see him have a reaction, albeit very slightly. She couldn’t let an opportunity to help him go to waste and decided to bring him to the memorial service.

Since he had skipped last night’s dinner, Shao Junling was really hungry and had been gorging himself with the food. Both his hands and face were greasy and covered with crumbs.

His Caretaker helplessly grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth and hands for him. With emotion she said: “Yin Dong treated him very well when he was alive. He was a blessing to this child. I just wanted to take Shao Junling to the memorial service and thank Yin Dong. After two hours of riding in the car to get here, I didn’t think that I wouldn’t even be allowed to enter the hotel.”

“Only to say thank you?” With a shallow smile, Luo Chao replied: “If Yin Dong really planned to adopt this child, a plane crash shouldn’t nullify it. Isn’t there a contract to verify the claim?”

The Women replied: “Since Yin Dong didn’t take Shao Junling to register him for the adoption, the law won’t recognize their father-son relationship and as a result, nothing could be done. And anyway, what would be the point? Even if the adoption could proceed, it wouldn’t have meaning for Shao Junling because Yin Dong was dead.”

“Nothing could be done?” Luo Chao was anxious. Although the Women went out of her way to come to the memorial service, her resolve was broken and didn’t want to pursue it any further. However, Luo Chao had already seen the potential benefits. Yin Dong and Yin Chang were already famous. If he could tap into that fame and exaggerate this matter to create a story, the flow of traffic to his website alone would yield huge profits!

Thinking along these lines Luo Chao became even more interested in the background story. Now invested, he subtly persuaded her: “I don’t think this matter can be taken so lightly. Think how unfair it was for the child!”

After pausing, Luo Chao continued: “Listen, I can interview you and print the news so people can hear your story. Doesn’t Yin Dong have a son that just came back from abroad a few days ago? If he knew that his father’s last wish was to adopt Shao Junling, don’t you think he would lend a helping hand? Even if Yin Dong was dead, he still has a brother!”

Originally indifferent to their dialogue, Shao Junling suddenly looked up at them in earnest.

The Women was surprised: “What’s wrong?”

Staring at Luo Chao, Shao Junling said one word: “Brother.”

Luo Chao asked: “Have you met your brother?”

Initially, Shao Junling shook his head no, but after a moment he paused, then started nodding.

Both of them were a little confused. The Caseworker gently coaxed him: ”Shao Junling, tell me what you meant. Have you seen Yin Dong’s son?”

Shao Junling only responded with: “TV.”

“Oh…” The Women smiled bitterly. She thought he was talking about yesterday’s event in the common room when he saw the news. Since Yin Chang was also famous, his image was on TV as well.

Unexpectedly, Shao Junling added: “On Uncle’s TV-video.”

Luo Chao was itching to hear more. This ten-year-old’s ability to express himself was so poor!

He guessed what he was saying and reiterated his meaning : “Uncle Dong showed you a video of Yin Chang, uh, I mean, your brother?”

Lowering his eyes, Shao Junling said: “Uncle said that Yin Chang was lonely and wanted a brother.”

The Women and Luo Chao looked at each other then turned to Shao Junling. In a soft voice she asked: “Would you like to see your brother?”

The boy hesitated then nodded briefly: “Hmm.”

The Caseworker couldn’t bear to let Shao Junling down so she asked Luo Chao: “The memorial service is still going, right? And, Yin Chang would still be there. If we hurry, we could go meet him.”

Only then did Luo Chao remember the promise he had made to her before. He quickly replied: “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

The Women: “Why not?”

Persuading her, Luo Chao was firm: “Today, movie stars and famous executives will be there. Since you don’t know Shao Junling’s real genetic background, he could be an illegitimate child.  If you take a child that looks like Yin Dong to the memorial, they will think you are trying to blackmail Yin Dong and cause trouble.”

Waving her hand, she said: “No, no, no! Yin Dong has personally donated over five-million to our Welfare Institution. Neither do we want his money nor make trouble.”

Having orchestrated this meeting, Lue Chao accurately understood what the Women was thinking and applied some pressure to influence her. When she gave up, Luo Chao was satisfied. “Don’t worry. Even though Yin Dong has passed away, his son is still with us and he certainly won’t turn away from the issue. Wait for my news to come out. If what you said is true, then his agent will come find you.”

The Women shook hands with Luo Chao in thanks: “Please and thank you.”

Luo Chao was acting a little out of character. After all, he was a paparazzi. Normally, wherever he went, people shunned him and looked down on him. Faced with a women and child in need, a strange chivalrous feeling welled up in his heart. He was convinced that he was the only one who could help them!

“Relax, I’ll handle it!” Patting his chest, Luo Chao located his notepad then took it out of his pocket. He began to interview her and ask specific details about the adoption incident.

After half an hour of talking, Luo Chao pulled out his camera and asked her if he could take a photograph: “Would you mind if I take a picture of this child?”

Now that the Women had told her story, she had no reason to doubt Luo Chao. Putting her trust in him, the Women happily agreed and guided Shao Junling: “Let Uncle here take a picture of you, ok?”

Long before they started the interview, Shao Junling had finished eating. While they were chatting, he was playing with a paper bag that was on the table. When he heard the Women, he slowly raised his head. Before he had the chance to say anything, he heard a soft ‘click’ of the camera. A full-faced portrait of Shao Junling was captured.

Before they separated, he had them sign a non-disclosure agreement and requested the documents that the Welfare Institute had with regard to Shao Junling’s adoption. Now that he had all the information he wanted from her, Luo Chao exchanged contact information and then extricated himself from them.  

Once he was out of their view, Luo Chao immediately called his editor and excitedly said: “Boss, you won’t be able to guess what kind of material I just got! Prepare the team for overtime!”

After the service, Yao Manhuai brought Yin Chang to the reception hall. There, whether it was an individual, or a representative of a corporation, all the guests lined up to have a chance at greeting and passing their condolences onto Yin Chang. Many were interested in hearing about Yin Chang’s future plans.

“I’m Zheng Xue from the production department of Wanhe Film’s. I’m very sorry to hear that  you father was in a plane crash……”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Zheng.”

“I was curious, what are your intentions with regards to the film industry here in China? The studio I represent is in the developmental phase for an Idol drama that takes place at a University. Your image is perfect for the male lead and…..”

Yin Chang was dumbfounded: “I’ve never made a movie so I’m afraid I won’t be able to act well.”

“Inexperience doesn’t matter. As long as you want to try, we will provide you with the best acting teachers and directors to help train you on-site. I believe you will learn quickly.”

“…”

“If you’re interested, why don’t I leave my contact information with you in advance?”

“Thank you, but I……”

Lu Lingxuan stepped forward: “Please leave it with me. I am Yin Chang’s temporary assistant.”

For Lu Lingxuan’s timely rescue, Yin Chang whispered thanks. Lu Lingxuan responded with a smile: “It’s fine.”

Just as he finished negotiating with one person, the next was already coming.

“Hello, Yin Chang, I’m the music director of Tunghuang Entertainment. If I may ask, have you considered singing in a musical?”

“Uh … I’ve never thought about it.”

“Listening to your speech, you speak very clearly and have excellent tone. Perhaps, a path towards singing is in your future.”

“Thank you……”

“If you have time, come to our company and try it. This is my business card.”

“Okay. If I get the chance, maybe I’ll visit.” Yu Chang handed the business card to Lu Lingxuan.

…… He’s only just begun to talk to people waiting in line for him in the crowd and already, Yin Chang felt dizzy.

___________________

next chapter >>

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Epilogue:

The author has something to say: [Postscript]

Ah, the five months and eight days of continuous writting finally came to an end.

It’s probably a relief, but it’s also a tinge of melancholy that might be too reluctant to say goodbye.

Thank you very much for the patience you have given during this period, for your tolerance and for your presence here.

“Assistant Architect” is my longest-running article, and by far the largest number of characters. It’s a record of my previous work on all data……For me, however, this is not a story that I am very happy with (nor is any previous work).

Because in the process of writing, I felt a real lack of language, a poor mind and a lot of inadequacies. In every chapter I write, I would love to do my best to write the best text I can to show you, but I can only hand over such a hard-working answer.

I know that this is not a very healthy way of writing. Instead of “taking your heart out”, it should be “thick and thin,” with the least effort, the least understatement of the sentence, and the deep and profound thought and emotion that the good author can do.

However, I never built up much, and I couldn’t resist the flood of the body….It’s a lot of hard work in the process. So every time I write a story, I feel like I’m being hollowed out! _(:з”∠)_

Writing is a fairly long way, and I am humbled by the fact that I have had the privilege of gaining support in the process of climbing, and deeply grateful for your guidance, criticism and encouragement. Your company is the best gift I have ever gained from growing up.

I haven’t had much time to read the commentary these two days because I was moved and guilty to see the “Don’t want to end” message in the film.

Indeed, there are many things that can be written about the book, such as a careful description of the subject’s study abroad, the story of his work in Britain, a tour of the world, detailed design projects, how to create a company, how to decide which name to take and so on.

However, with regard to Zhang Siyi’s growth, this is over, and the ideas I want to convey through this story are all finished. If we continue to write them again, they will only be repeated for continuous transmission, which will deviate from my original intention.

So, I’m so sorry for the prospective readers, but I’m here to say goodbye.

I’ve seen many readers asking when I’m starting a new article, and I want to continue to see you all the time, but I’ve been pulled out of the mud and I’m not sure I can tell a better story.

Instead of tempering everyone’s enthusiasm, it would be better to go on a training trip for a while, to add yourself to the list, and then to dress up for a while. I believe that for the time being, the difference is to meet better.

At the same time, I also have some concerns that the next work will not satisfy readers who like the Assistant Architect style, because I am a less “self-contained” author, and perhaps I am wrong to want to let go and will not necessarily return with a very different story and style. But it may still be my favorite themes of growth and advancement, and I hope that they will not disappoint you.

Of course, there are many excellent authors and works in Jinjiang, and there are so many stories, there are always those you like, don’t hang on my tree, my foundation is unstable, I’m afraid everyone will hurt….. (兀▽兀)

I’ve been nagging at you so much.

Thank you all for the last time. I’m so sorry!

I just wish I could meet you again in a vast sea of literature.

Xi He Qing Ling

March 18, 2017

______________________________

T/N notes:

The above statement is a direct MTL and I didn’t edit it.

In the last Extra, when Zhang SIyi hands his business card to the young applicant, his name is first printed in Chinese, then English and the remaining info in Chinese. For effect I added his name in written Chinese and left the English as is.

As for me, there were a few parts in the book that I translated that I was never really satisfied with. Now that I’ve finished, I want to take a short break then actually read my efforts from the beginning to the end. Along the way, I want to fix typeos and re-edit a few spots. After a year of translating, I think I evolved so I’m sure my early efforts were kind of wonky. I would like to tidy-up those parts a bit.

When I first read this book a few years ago, I was struck by how much I wished I read something like this book in my youth as in some ways, it mirrored my own life.

As a graduate of a fine arts school with a Bachelors of Fine Arts (I even studied architecture for a little), I worked as a graphic designer for a few years after graduation both domestically and abroad. Like Zhang Siyi, I struggled during that part of my life and unlike Zhang Siyi, neither did I have a good boss to show me the ropes nor did I have someone to help guide and support me. As a result, much like many of Zhang Siyi’s friends, I had abandoned my career path and decided to pursue something else.

I remember thinking along the lines, with regards to young adult life – oh, so its totally normal. It wasn’t just me.

When the book ended, I was so sad. I was like the overly expressive anime characters saying Nnnooooooooooo! I really could have read a whole other book of Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu living their lives and doing whatever. I just really love the characters and their relationship. How many times did you go kyaaaa! or sigh in delight, or have your own nosebleeds!?

If you were like me, too many to count, I’m sure!

Love more and Hate less!

Please email me and share with me your favorite Bl novels of any type! I would love to read what everyone else likes!

Take care!

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