Chapter Seventy-Four: An Unexplainable Sense of Familiarity

This was an unprecedentedly grand launch ceremony, strikingly out of place in the small town of Hengdian. Countless media reporters and fans surrounded the opulent hotel, leaving not an inch of space. Most fans held signs bearing the names Wei Hao, Lee Min, and Alisa. Though the weather was gradually warming, the fans’ enthusiasm showed no sign of waning.

Screams erupted suddenly from the crowd.

“Wei Hao! Wei Hao! Wei Hao...”

“Lee Min! Lee Min! Lee Min...”

“Alisa! Alisa! Alisa...”

Excited cries burst forth from the fans, and the sound of camera shutters clicked incessantly. After waiting for so long, the stars of the show had finally arrived.

Aside from the male lead, Lee Min—a hugely popular star from Korea—the female lead was someone utterly ordinary and unknown. Yet today, she was the object of envy and jealousy for all. Perhaps just moments before she had been obscure, but from this moment on, her life was destined to shine brilliantly. Why? Because she had become the lead actress in the acclaimed playwright Alisa’s first drama in mainland China—a role that countless international actresses had vied for in vain.

“Dear friends from the media, welcome to the launch ceremony of ‘A Very Important Person,’ Alisa’s first inspirational drama. Now, let us invite the two leads of this production, the young director of Zheng Enterprise, Zheng Yingqi, and our Alisa, to cut the ribbon together for the new drama,” Blue Luo, the assistant, announced with practiced ease.

Amid enthusiastic applause, the four stepped forward, lifted their scissors, and cut the red ribbon together.

“Alisa, what are your expectations for this production?”

“Why did you choose a Korean actor for the male lead?”

“May I ask...”

Country Road, take me home... At that moment, a familiar ringtone interrupted the reporters’ questions.

“Hello!” With Blue Luo’s help, she walked out from the throng of reporters.

“Hello, my foot!” The familiar voice, though tinged with illness, was as brash as ever. Gu Yan’s hand trembled as she held her phone, so overwhelmed with excitement she was momentarily speechless.

“Hey, ancient one, are you so excited you’ve fainted?” The teasing voice from the other end brought Gu Yan back to her senses.

“You better stay put and wait for me!” Gu Yan hung up at once and dashed to the hotel’s underground garage, ignoring the bewildered stares of the reporters. Some, quick on the uptake, had already snapped photos of her as she took the call. If nothing unexpected happened, tomorrow’s entertainment headlines would surely read: “Mysterious phone call prompts Alisa to swear on the spot, abruptly leaving actors and sponsors behind.”

Gu Yan sped off toward the hospital, oblivious to the car tailing her closely.

Watching Gu Yan’s car pull up at the hospital, Shen Hong’s doubts were instantly dispelled. After all, they had lived together for two years; there were things he never spoke of, but always noticed.

“You rascal, you’re finally awake,” Gu Yan exclaimed as she entered the hospital room, finding Da Xian, Stinker, Xiao Meng, and 10 all joking around. Apparently, she was the last to arrive.

“Look at the LV bag, the Chanel dress—our ancient one has struck it rich! Of course I had to wake up to cash in on a few favors,” teased one of the friends.

Gu Yan exhaled deeply to compose herself. “Forget it. Since you’ve come back from the dead today, I’ll let it slide.”

Laughter burst out among the group of friends at Gu Yan’s serious tone. After three years apart, the five sisters were finally together again.

Leaning against the hospital room door, Gu Yan listened to their laughter before quietly slipping away. Just as when she had arrived, no one noticed her departure.