novelraw Chapter 221: [Su Yu’s Glasses]
Chapter 221: [Su Yu’s Glasses]
Shanghai Grand Theatre.
The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival.
After a 90-minute red-carpet event, the Golden Goblet Awards Ceremony officially began.
Sitting in one of the prime central seats, Zhao Yaqian felt her heart racing, her cheeks slightly flushed. She was both nervous and excited.
In front of her sat many familiar faces—A-list and B-list stars, most of whom were currently at the peak of their fame.
Next to her wasn’t Lin Muxue but a wildly popular idol and actress, Song Shiyu.
Song Shiyu’s skin was fair and delicate, smooth as mutton-fat jade, exuding a natural radiance. Her petite and exquisite face had a perfectly shaped chin, while her sultry figure radiated allure and sophistication, making her instantly recognizable.
Zhao Yaqian had recently been watching one of Song Shiyu’s dramas. Seeing her in person now was surreal, as if the boundary between reality and the screen had dissolved.
What surprised her even more was that Song Shiyu had initiated the conversation, warmly introducing herself and chatting in a friendly, down-to-earth manner.
Zhao Yaqian naturally knew who she was.Formerly a member of a South Korean girl group, Song Shiyu’s career had soared ever since her agency was acquired by Tangzong Entertainment. Now, she was a household name across the Asia-Pacific region.
This was Zhao Yaqian’s first time sitting so close to a major celebrity. She was thrilled, almost giddy with excitement—reminiscent of her playful moments with Tang Song in private.
As the celebrity hosts spoke on stage, her gaze drifted to a figure not far away.
Even from behind and in partial profile, the breathtaking beauty was unmistakable.
It was Su Yu.
Sitting in the glittering Shanghai Grand Theatre, surrounded by top stars and participating in an international film festival, Zhao Yaqian once again experienced the exhilarating joy of transcending social strata.
Just a month ago, she had been an ordinary beautician, worrying about her monthly credit card bills.
Now, she was enjoying the same treatment as an A-list celebrity.
This must be what her cousin meant by turning from a sparrow into a phoenix.
Meanwhile, at a more inconspicuous seat in the back corner, Lin Muxue was busy snapping photos and recording videos with her phone.
She had already posted several updates to her WeChat Moments and shared them in group chats.
For her, this was the highlight of her life so far—a testament to her elevated status and sophistication. Naturally, she wanted as many people as possible to see it.
The people around her weren’t A-list celebrities, but they were notable figures in the film industry.
Earlier, she had overheard snippets of their conversations, and it seemed that each of them had significant influence.
Looking toward the stage, where Zhao Yaqian was seated among the hottest stars, Lin Muxue couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.
Those seats were surrounded by the brightest stars of the moment!
Still, she didn’t resent her friend. After all, her invitation to the event had come courtesy of Zhao Yaqian.
Suddenly, thunderous applause broke out.
Lin Muxue snapped out of her thoughts and looked toward the stage. Her eyes widened in awe.
Su Yu had appeared.
Dressed in a meticulously tailored gown, its lightweight skirt swayed elegantly with her every step. The dress’s smooth silhouette accentuated her stunning figure, while intricate embroidery and glittering sequins shimmered brilliantly under the stage lights.
She’s so beautiful!
It wasn’t just her appearance and physique—her aura was flawless, like a lotus blooming in morning mist, exuding grace and purity.
Lin Muxue’s cheeks flushed as she furiously took photos.
Su Yu! Su Yu!
On stage, Su Yu radiated an ethereal nobility and elegance, leaving an indelible impression.
In a daze, Lin Muxue’s expression faltered.
Su Xiaojie? Su Yu?
Impossible. How could that be?
Shaking her head vigorously, she dismissed the absurd thought.
The idea of Su Yu—a multibillionaire businesswoman and top-tier celebrity—being someone’s mistress was utterly ridiculous.
Even in her wildest dreams, she wouldn’t dare entertain such a notion.
Besides, if Su Yu were Tang Song’s mistress, where would that leave Zhao Yaqian—or herself?
They weren’t even in the same league.
Most likely, Mo Xiangwan knew Tang Song or one of his family elders, which explained why she served as the trust’s witness. Tangzong Entertainment’s involvement with Slover Trust made sense in that context.
As the ceremony approached its conclusion around 10 p.m., Lin Muxue was about to leave when a gentle female voice called out beside her.
“Ms. Lin, I’ll take you to the waiting area. Ms. Zhao wants to visit the backstage area to take photos with a few celebrities.”
“Ah… okay.” Lin Muxue nodded toward Su Zhuyun, though she couldn’t help but glance wistfully at Zhao Yaqian.
Yaqian was engaged in a quiet conversation with Song Shiyu.
Yaqian is so lucky! She’s getting the celebrity photo op I’ve always dreamed of.
Unlike 18th-tier celebrities like Xu An, Zhao Yaqian was about to meet A-list stars.
Maybe even… Su Yu.
The train slowed to a stop at Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
Tang Song slung his backpack over his shoulder, grabbed his suitcase, and exited the business-class carriage under the guidance of a train attendant.
His eyes scanned the surrounding signs.
It was his first time in Shanghai, as well as his first time at Hongqiao Station. The unfamiliar surroundings piqued his curiosity.
Behind him, Zheng Siwen hesitated for a moment before timidly pointing out directions. “Um… the subway station is that way, and the taxi stand is over there.”
“Thank you.” Tang Song smiled politely.
Flustered, Zheng Siwen quickly waved her hands. “No problem, no problem.”
Noticing her slightly shy expression and the occasional glances from nearby passersby, Tang Song opened his system interface and entered the Outfit Center.
He removed Summer Whisper from his equipped outfits.
The special effects faded, and his aura and voice returned to their usual state.
It wasn’t that he was intentionally trying to show off—the bonuses from Summer Whisper were simply too practical.
The outfit provided +2 Constitution and +1 Comprehension, along with a cooling effect to combat the summer heat.
As he worked toward completing the Rising Financial Mogul task, he needed to make full use of his time to absorb investment-related knowledge.
With the boosts from Tang Song’s Glasses, the Ginkgo Leaf, and the Summer Whisper outfit, his learning efficiency was exceptional.
Though he wasn’t well-versed in finance before, the six-hour high-speed rail journey had allowed him to finish nearly half of his book.
“Goodbye,” Tang Song said, waving as he headed toward the taxi stand.
Zheng Siwen watched his tall figure disappear into the distance, her emotions a mix of bittersweet relief and gratitude.
For her, today had been filled with sorrow and heartbreak, like a storm gathering on the horizon.
But this boy she had met on the train had been like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds, illuminating her path and easing her burden.
She averted her gaze, looked down at her bag, and then headed toward the subway station.
Shanghai, I’m back.
Even if I must carry my burdens, I will move forward, always facing the sun.
“Driver, to the JW Marriott Hotel at Tomorrow Square, please.”
“Got it.”
Tang Song leaned back in his seat and pulled out his phone.
As soon as he turned on the screen, a series of app notifications caught his eye.
[Tonight’s Shanghai Film Festival: A Star-Studded Affair, Su Yu Shines Center Stage]
[Stunning All: Su Yu Captivates the Crowd]
[Rare Appearance: Su Yu Walks the Red Carpet at Shanghai International Film Festival, Tops Trending Topics]
Tang Song’s gaze lingered on the headlines for a moment, his lips curling into a subtle smile.
As the city lights of Shanghai streamed past the car windows, his thoughts drifted to the dazzling events of the evening.
The notifications about Su Yu filled not only Weibo, Toutiao, and Douyin but even some shopping apps.
Tang Song pressed his lips together and tapped on the Douyin notification.
The app opened to a video playback screen.
Soft music played as spotlights scattered like stars. The red carpet stretched elegantly into the night.
Su Yu appeared, dressed in a stunning floor-length gown, walking gracefully.
Her figure was mesmerizing, her skirt flowing as if weightless. Every step exuded composure and elegance, radiating charm.
Her hair was pinned up, and her exquisite face tilted slightly upward, resembling a masterpiece of art.
Her deep, pure gaze sparkled like an autumn lake, an enthralling combination of beauty and brilliance.
Flawlessly fair skin, jade-like bones.
Standing on the red carpet, she was the brightest star in the night sky, dazzling and unforgettable.
Tang Song felt his heart race as he watched the angelic Su Yu on screen.
He vividly remembered the moment he drew Su Yu’s SSR character card in the game. The excitement and joy were unparalleled.
Her character illustration had been breathtakingly beautiful.
Out of an odd sense of amusement, he had treated her character development as a side simulation game, meticulously planning her growth.
He tailored a comprehensive program based on his preferences and the game’s evaluation: appearance and image management, acting training, artistic skills, and even psychological counseling.
By the time the Female Superstar task chain was complete, Su Yu had become his idealized version of a perfect idol.
He rewatched the video several times, gave it a like, and then closed his eyes for a moment.
He couldn’t help but fantasize about what Su Yu might be like in real life—and how she might react upon meeting him.
How I wish I could meet this “female superstar” in person.
With her upcoming concert in Yan City, there might be an opportunity to approach her.
Although he had a Character Interaction Card, the odds of randomly using it to connect with such a high-tier character were slim without a Luck Buff.
After a while, Tang Song sighed and continued scrolling through the feed.
Many of the videos he came across were about “Su Yu” and the “Shanghai International Film Festival.”
Then, a familiar ID caught his attention: Luna Xue.
Little Xue?
It was another video related to the festival, capturing the entire entry process and featuring several celebrities. The post had an impressive number of likes and comments.
Curious, Tang Song clicked into her profile and raised an eyebrow.
Whoa! Over 400,000 followers?
The last time he checked, she had just crossed 200,000.
Scrolling through her videos, he quickly understood why.
Since arriving in Shanghai, Little Xue had been posting content at a breakneck pace. Each video had near 100,000 likes.
Her stunning looks and glamorous visuals had drawn significant attention.
Tang Song tapped on one of the recent videos.
It chronicled her day—from shopping in luxury malls like IFC and Plaza 66 to ending the night at Bar 18 with dazzling views of Lujiazui.
His brow arched as he hit pause on a specific frame.
The screen showed Little Xue posing with a handsome young man on a rooftop terrace.
The video caption introduced him as Xu An, a celebrity known for his role in the drama Snow Before the Pear Blossoms.
Scrolling to the comments section, the top comment caught his eye. It was from a verified account: Xu An (Ansel).
Xu An (Ansel): “It was such a pleasure meeting Little Xue. She’s stunning in person, with a fantastic aura—she could debut on the spot!”
Tang Song chuckled softly.
It seems like Little Xue is having a great time in Shanghai.
Not only had her follower count exploded, but her social network was climbing the ranks.
He made a mental note to chat with her about it later.
Opening the car window a crack, he let the breeze rush in, gazing at the fleeting cityscape.
The wind carried with it the vivid energy of Shanghai’s night, a blend of dazzling lights and boundless possibilities.
10:40 PM
Tang Song arrived at the JW Marriott Hotel, a luxurious five-star establishment with a 20-year history. The hotel boasted 333 deluxe rooms spread across the 41st to 59th floors of Tomorrow Square, each offering breathtaking views of the city.
Situated in a bustling commercial hub, the hotel was not only easily accessible but also adjacent to the Shanghai Grand Theatre, where the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival had just been held.
Standing outside the hotel’s entrance, Tang Song glanced toward the theater.
At this hour, the event should be over. I wonder if Su Yu has already left.
This might have been the closest he had ever been to her in the real world.
He entered the ground-floor concierge lobby and followed a staff member to the 38th-floor reception area.
Stepping out of the elevator, Tang Song’s gaze halted, and a look of surprise flashed across his face.
In a corner of the lobby stood a woman wearing a blue blouse and jeans.
She had the classic "cool beauty" features of an aloof older woman—tall, with long hair flowing past her waist, a high chest, and a strikingly sexy presence.
Cheng Qiuqiu?
What is she doing here?
In her hand was a large LED fan board, though its lights were now off. The name Su Yu was still visible on the board, along with a few pasted photos.
Her face and collarbone had “Su Yu” scrawled in purple fluorescent marker, completing her look as an unmistakably devoted fan.
Everyone knew purple was Su Yu’s support color.
Tang Song blinked, recalling something Xu Qing had mentioned.
So, she’s a hardcore fan after all. Even with her busy schedule, she’s traveled to Shanghai for the event—and is staying right next to the Grand Theatre at the Marriott.
Sensing Tang Song’s gaze, Cheng Qiuqiu turned her head.
Her previously stoic expression shifted into one of surprise.
She pursed her lips and stepped forward hesitantly. “Tang Song, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you in Shanghai.”
Tang Song’s eyes briefly flicked to the photos of Su Yu on her fan board and the purple writing on her face. He smiled warmly. “I’m here on business. You’re here to support Su Yu?”
“Uh… yes,” Cheng Qiuqiu said, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “Su Yu attended the film festival tonight, walked the red carpet, and even won an award. I signed up for this support event through the fan group.”
At that moment, a male voice interrupted from nearby.
“Qiuqiu! I’ve booked our rooms. Unfortunately, because of the film festival, only executive suites were available, so we won’t be on the same floor.” The man chuckled as he approached, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.
Standing beside Cheng Qiuqiu, he frowned slightly and asked, “Who’s this?”
“My friend,” she replied in a low voice.
“Oh? A friend, huh? Funny, you’ve never mentioned this friend before.” The man—Xu An—raised his eyebrows, his sunglasses masking a sharp, scrutinizing gaze.
Tang Song’s tall stature, striking looks, and graceful demeanor clearly put Xu An on edge.
He couldn’t help but wonder if this guy had shown up with romantic intentions.
“Someone I met through work,” Cheng Qiuqiu explained, biting her lip. “Xu An, you can go rest in the room. I need to talk to my friend privately.”
Xu An’s internal alarms blared.
For him, Cheng Qiuqiu—his high school crush and long-time "White Moonlight"—had always been untouchable yet sacred.
Today, after accompanying her to the support event, he had fabricated an excuse to stay nearby, hoping for a chance at something more intimate.
Her insistence on separate rooms had already stung, and now this unexpected "friend" showing up only fueled his suspicions that there might be someone else she liked.
Licking his lips, Xu An removed his sunglasses and offered Tang Song a faintly polite but probing look. “Hi, I’m Xu An, Qiuqiu’s high school classmate and close friend.”
Tang Song’s eyebrows rose slightly, recognition flickering across his face.
What a coincidence. It’s the same guy from Little Xue’s Douyin video. This text is hosted at novel(ꜰ)ire.net
Noticing Tang Song’s reaction, Xu An chuckled and said, “I might seem familiar. My latest show has been airing recently—perhaps you’ve seen me on screen.”
Tang Song simply nodded, his expression calm, saying nothing further.
Xu An checked his conspicuous wristwatch, the metallic gleam catching the light. “Alright, you two go ahead and chat. I’ll head to my room; I have an audition tomorrow. Oh, and Qiuqiu, what do you want for breakfast? I’ll have my assistant get it for you.”
Cheng Qiuqiu shook her head. “No need. I’ll grab something myself—I’ve been meaning to try the local Shanghai breakfast.”
“...Alright.” Xu An hesitated but eventually nodded, waving briefly before striding toward the elevator.
As soon as he left, Cheng Qiuqiu let out a long breath and turned to Tang Song, her expression tinged with guilt.
“About last time... I’m really sorry. When the incident happened, I was there. I saw Liu Wenning and the others stepping on your bike but didn’t stop them. That was my fault. I deeply apologize. I’m so sorry!”
Her voice trembled slightly as she bowed her head in apology.
Cheng Qiuqiu bent slightly forward, her voice filled with guilt.
This incident had weighed on her mind for a long time.
She and Tang Song had known each other before—not quite friends, but acquaintances and work colleagues.
When her bandmates damaged his bike and she stood idly by, she knew she had been in the wrong. Even though she wasn’t directly responsible, her inaction made her feel complicit.
At the police station, she had wanted to apologize, but courage had failed her.
Later, she had considered messaging him on WeChat, but it felt insincere.
Now, fate had given her this rare chance encounter, and she seized the opportunity to voice her remorse.
Tang Song listened quietly and then shook his head dismissively. “It’s fine. You didn’t know it was my bike, and you weren’t the one who did it anyway.”
“It was still wrong of me. I’m really sorry,” Cheng Qiuqiu repeated, bowing slightly again.
Tang Song smiled faintly. “I’m not that petty. Besides, for Su Yu’s sake, I wouldn’t hold a grudge over something so minor.”
Cheng Qiuqiu’s eyes widened with delight. “You’re a Su Yu fan too?”
“Absolutely. Hardcore fan! I love Su Yu!” Tang Song replied earnestly.
After all, she was a celebrity he had personally nurtured in the game. How could he not love her?
Cheng Qiuqiu beamed with joy and began recounting her day of fan support activities and the breathtaking moments of Su Yu on the red carpet.
After a while, she seemed to realize she might be rambling and grew a little embarrassed. “Um… I should let you get on with your night. I’m heading to my room. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Tang Song watched her graceful silhouette disappear down the hall before turning to the front desk and handing over his ID.
Before long, he received his executive suite key card. The hotel staff, noticeably more courteous upon seeing his booking, enthusiastically escorted him to his room on the 59th floor.
At the end of a quiet hallway, Tang Song pushed open the door to his 66-square-meter executive suite.
Inside, the furnishings were classic yet well-maintained. Large windows on two sides offered stunning views—one overlooking the iconic "Shanghai trio" skyscrapers in Pudong and the other showcasing the city’s elevated highways.
Tang Song stood by the window for a moment, admiring the magnificent nighttime skyline of Shanghai, before starting to explore the room.
He was also searching for his Physical Blind Box while familiarizing himself with the suite’s layout.
Though the hotel showed its age in its slightly dated decor and compact design, it boasted top-notch amenities: a capsule coffee machine, JBL Bluetooth speakers, premium mattresses, high-thread-count linens, and TWG tea bags.
Before long, Tang Song’s attention was drawn to a large safe near the wardrobe.
It resembled the safe he had encountered in his Yanjing Tiancheng Residence, but this one was larger.
Placing his hand on the handle, he pressed his thumb to the fingerprint scanner.
“Click-click-click!”
A series of clean, crisp sounds signaled the safe unlocking.
The first thing he noticed were stacks of envelopes resembling invitation cards, filling most of the safe.
He pulled one out and glanced at it—a concert invitation.
His eyes quickly scanned the text, and his smile froze.
“Song, I look forward to spotting you in the crowd at my concert.”
Tang Song flipped through more envelopes, his expression turning increasingly bitter.
The safe contained invitations spanning Su Yu’s concerts, movie premieres, birthday celebrations, and afterparties from over the years.
Each one bore handwritten messages. The script was firm and deliberate, as if to ensure he wouldn’t miss a single word.
“Song, will you come to this concert? I’ve written a new song I haven’t released yet, and I want you to be the first to hear it.”
“Song, the film is about to premiere. This is the script you wrote for me. Will you be there for the first screening?”
“Every note I sing is for you.”
…
“Mr. Tang, our box office hit calls for a celebration. Will you join us? It’s okay if you’re busy—please take care of yourself. I’ll do my best to excel in my work.”
“Mr. Tang, the concert coincides with your birthday. Will you come?”
…
Tang Song closed the stack of letters firmly, unwilling to read more.
The tone of the messages, arranged chronologically, became increasingly cautious over time.
It was clear that prolonged neglect and distance had caused Su Yu to grow wary, her words more tentative and careful as the years passed.
Taking several deep breaths, Tang Song licked his dry lips, trying to calm the mixture of heartache and guilt welling inside him.
After a while, he reached back into the safe and retrieved a glasses case.
Opening it gently, he revealed a pair of black-rimmed women’s glasses.
Suddenly, the lenses of the Tang Song’s Glasses he was wearing glimmered faintly.
A soft glow emanated from Su Yu’s glasses in the case, and a prominent notification appeared in his field of vision:
[Su Yu’s Glasses]
A pair of glasses worn by the game character Su Yu.
When Su Yu wears these glasses and is within range of Tang Song’s Glasses, a unique Lucky Bond Effect is triggered between the two.