Chapter 106: Even If It’s Because of Me, Isn’t It Alright?

(Thanks again to Brother Long Shao for the generous tip, and to ‘tianjincheng’ for the reward. Much appreciated. Everyone, don’t forget to bookmark and recommend!)

“I came here because of you!” The meaning of this sentence is crystal clear to anyone with a certain literary sensibility. When such words come from a goddess admired by countless men, the significance becomes all the more apparent.

Yet Wu Xiang didn’t think along those lines. Of course, at first, he did entertain such thoughts, but they quickly changed.

They had to change, because after attending the Golden Horse Awards ceremony, Wu Xiang promptly returned to Hong Kong—not alone, but accompanied by that goddess, and not just her alone.

“You both won awards? Now you have to treat me properly!” The unexpected guest was none other than Qin Hailu from the Central Academy of Drama. She hadn’t gone to Taiwan but stayed in Hong Kong, and it was Zhang Ziyi who brought Wu Xiang to Hong Kong to find her.

The purpose of their visit was mainly to celebrate Qin Hailu’s first leading role in a film, which had achieved great box office success despite a modest budget. The film was titled *Durian Drift*.

Once in Hong Kong, Wu Xiang realized that the “because of you” was simply an invitation to join in congratulating Qin Hailu—nothing more. He shouldn’t overthink it.

Alright, Wu Xiang admitted that he had indeed overthought things—quite a lot. But that’s not shameful at all, absolutely not!

“I didn’t win any award this time.” Zhang Ziyi quickly shirked responsibility for treating them all.

“Well, okay then.” What could Wu Xiang say? The Golden Horse Awards did come with prize money, albeit a modest sum of 50,000 New Taiwan dollars.

“Great!” Qin Hailu made no pretense, since someone was paying, there was no reason to worry. She quickly started chatting with Zhang Ziyi. “You wouldn’t believe how fake they are. That director Chen Guo made me pretend to be an amateur actress, insisted I don’t know how to act. Really frustrating.”

“Seriously? Hahaha…” Zhang Ziyi immediately dropped her dignified demeanor and joined the conversation. “Hong Kong people are just like that…”

Wu Xiang was left out, feeling like a human ATM.

Still, they weren’t being too unreasonable; Hong Kong was just about eating and shopping. If shopping was off the table, at least they could eat.

The same local snacks, the same tourist routes, only this time with two women as company. Naturally, they ended up at Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons Hotel.

In truth, Wu Xiang had no other itinerary. He originally wanted to enjoy Hong Kong with Haiqing; now he was just repeating the same trip.

“Xiangzi! You know so much! I’ve been filming in Hong Kong for so long and never knew there were so many delicious foods!” Qin Hailu was extremely pleased, even suspecting Wu Xiang might be a local.

“Do you come here often? Maybe looking for investors?” Zhang Ziyi speculated.

Wu Xiang naturally wouldn’t admit the truth—that he had researched how to eat across Hong Kong on some future website. Instead, he said, “China is a land of heroes and splendid resources, vast and rich in culture and cuisine. I love eating and studying food, so of course I can’t miss Hong Kong’s culinary delights. You can call me a foodie.”

Pretending! Keep pretending!

“Giggling…” Wu Xiang’s earnest words elicited delighted laughter from the ladies.

“Don’t laugh; eating is serious business. The ancients said, ‘Eating is the emperor’s priority,’ and ‘People regard food as heaven.’ Haven’t you heard of *A Bite of China*?” As soon as he said this, Wu Xiang regretted it—his excitement had led him to overplay and reveal too much.

“A Bite of China?” Naturally, the phrase instantly piqued the two women’s interest.

How to explain? Wu Xiang felt sweat break out on his forehead.

“That’s right, it’s a vivid description,” Qin Hailu affirmed. “You really are talented. I watched the Golden Horse Awards on TV yesterday; those titles weren’t given lightly.”

But Zhang Ziyi teased, “Too bad the great talent is just a foodie.”

“Hahaha…” The two of them laughed together.

“Hehe…” Wu Xiang could only laugh along, relieved they hadn’t asked where he got that phrase.

This was a minor episode, and Wu Xiang spoke more cautiously afterward.

“I’m going to the restroom.” Qin Hailu seemed overwhelmed from eating and drinking.

“Want me to accompany you?” As a good friend, Zhang Ziyi naturally offered.

“No, I’ll be right back.” But before leaving, Qin Hailu winked at Wu Xiang.

Wu Xiang instantly understood: Qin Hailu was giving him and Zhang Ziyi a chance. She must still have feelings for Zhang Ziyi!

“She’s really something, hehe…” What was an innocent comment from Zhang Ziyi now carried many meanings for Wu Xiang.

Could Zhang Ziyi have also seen through Qin Hailu’s intentions?

But this was mere speculation; Wu Xiang said nothing and smiled, “Hai Lu is a good person.”

In fact, Qin Hailu was a few months younger, but Wu Xiang had no qualms calling her “older sister.”

“That’s right, she’s a good person; otherwise, I wouldn’t be friends with her.” Zhang Ziyi smiled but quickly changed the subject. “My next film is with Director Zhang again.”

“I know, Director Zhang’s *Hero*, right?”

“Wow! You really are talented, knowing that already, giggle…”

Director Zhang Yimou’s projects were often kept secret, especially before filming started. Wu Xiang’s knowledge came from a certain advantage of being a reincarnator.

“Flattered.” Wu Xiang felt a bit proud. When you have an edge, you use it.

“Enough joking.” Zhang Ziyi wiped her smile and said, “After this film, I plan to go to Hollywood. What do you think?”

This question surprised Wu Xiang. It seemed the success of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* had already connected Zhang Ziyi to Hollywood.

“That’s great.” As a friend, Wu Xiang could only say this.

But Zhang Ziyi seemed unsatisfied with his answer, looking at him seriously. “You really don’t understand what I meant just now?”

What did she mean? A fool might not get it, but Wu Xiang wasn’t that dumb.

“I still want to stay in China because I feel there are plenty of opportunities here now, with room to grow.” Wu Xiang fully understood Zhang Ziyi’s invitation. Even if there were no romantic feelings involved, her meaning was clear. But he had long decided to seize the key opportunities of China’s great transformation. Hollywood was not yet the right move.

Yet, it’s said the hardest thing is to turn down the favor of a beauty.

“I didn’t mean anything else.” Zhang Ziyi continued, her face devoid of any romantic undertone. “I just think you’re incredibly talented, and I’m serious. Among all the young directors in China, you’re already number one. Why stay in such an environment? Why not go see the world—Hollywood, even Europe? They offer a better artistic atmosphere. Why not consider furthering your growth? I can help connect you with companies there. You’ll make even better films. I say this as your friend.”

Indeed, Zhang Ziyi’s last words were crucial, and everything she said was accurate.

Wu Xiang had already made his decision but smiled and said, “I think China is great; there’s nothing wrong here. You’re right, but I’m afraid I won’t adapt well abroad.”

“China is great?” Zhang Ziyi seemed exasperated to the point of laughter. “Have you been to Hollywood? Do you know what it’s like? Have you felt the atmosphere? Let me tell you, the air there is freedom—you don’t have to care about rules and restrictions. You can fully unleash your talent. Believe me, I think you could win an Oscar!”

That was a powerful statement, especially coming from a goddess. To Wu Xiang, it sounded a bit like propaganda, but he wasn’t angry. He just thought Zhang Ziyi hadn’t seen clearly yet.

It reminded Wu Xiang of the movie *American Dreams in China*—before you truly understand it, it seems wonderful, but once you experience it firsthand, you always come back.

“I haven’t been to Hollywood, nor experienced the freedom you describe, but I know one thing: freedom is relative and must be constrained. There are rules in China, but there are also rules abroad. Sometimes they’re just less obvious. Once you understand, you’ll see... Anyway, my point is, China isn’t that bad, and neither is abroad that great.”

That was Wu Xiang’s answer. He avoided going into detail, as it could lead to endless arguments. After all, they were friends, and Zhang Ziyi’s intentions were good.

“Why are you so stubborn?” Zhang Ziyi was a bit upset. Any beauty in her position would be angry at such ungratefulness.

“I’m not stubborn. I just say what I think, and believe me, there really are many opportunities here.” Wu Xiang was sincere, even hoping Zhang Ziyi would stay in China.

But what surprised him was Zhang Ziyi’s sharp gaze as she said, “Even if it’s because of me, is that not enough?”

“Ah?” Wu Xiang was dumbfounded again.