“Mr. Zhao, I believe we can skip the formalities. My personal time is very tight, and those bodyguards could burst in any moment to interrupt our discussion. From now on, publicly, you are a distant, down-on-his-luck relative seeking a living through me. You absolutely must not reveal your true identity, especially not in front of my bodyguards, or you will be instantly dismissed.”

I was rather confused by Liu Xue’s words and replied, “Miss Liu, could you please explain things more clearly? I am completely in the dark right now. I don’t know what my mission is, who the opponents are, or what they plan to do to you.”

Bang bang bang came the sound of knocking. Liu Xue’s expression changed drastically. “There’s no time to explain. We’ll talk more when we have the chance later. From this moment on, you are my distant older cousin. You will serve as my personal assistant and stay by my side at all times. Your mission is to ensure my safety under any circumstances. However, do not act rashly and expose your identity unless it is absolutely necessary, because if you do, I will have to completely sever ties with the company—a scenario I wish to avoid for now.”

No sooner had Liu Xue finished speaking than the door was urgently pushed open. A dark-faced bodyguard peered in. “Miss Liu, please get ready. It’s time for lunch; Director Xiao from National Television is waiting for you.”

Liu Xue turned to the dark-faced bodyguard. “A’Long, this Mr. Zhao Qian is technically my cousin. He couldn’t make it back home, so he’s come here to be my personal assistant. I will cover his salary. Everyone, please take good care of him.”

The dark-faced bodyguard named A’Long scrutinized me for a moment. I wasn’t particularly handsome, nor was I overtly ugly; I wasn’t loud or talkative. Dressed in a simple down jacket, I did look somewhat shabby and down on my luck. A’Long nodded without saying much more. After all, if a major celebrity couldn't even manage a small matter like this, she must be rather lacking.

However, as I followed behind Liu Xue out of the room, A’Long leaned in and said to me in a low voice, “Mr. Zhao, I don’t care who you are to Miss Liu, but you must adhere to our company’s rules while you are by her side.”

Seeing my lack of comprehension, A’Long continued, “Miss Liu is the top star of our Fenghua Xueyue Company. Her every word and action represents the company’s image. The company’s regard for her is self-evident. All your actions must not conflict with the company’s interests, nor can they affect Miss Liu’s public image. Otherwise, I have the right to immediately remove you from Miss Liu’s side. Also, you had better deal with that cat of yours immediately. If it runs wild and scratches Miss Liu, we won’t be able to answer to the higher-ups in the company.”

I ignored A’Long’s words and quickened my pace to keep up with Liu Xue. It seemed being a star wasn't easy. From A’Long’s words, I gathered that Liu Xue probably didn’t even have freedom in her daily conduct.

I fished a large pair of sunglasses out of my pocket and put them on. I was about to attend a banquet hosted by my father-in-law later, and if he recognized me and said a few loose words, the whole scheme would unravel.

Taozi paused for a moment before smiling at me. “OK, all data has been successfully copied. This big star seems quite nice. Boss, I support your wives’ opinions. Such a good girl—go after her. It would be a complete waste if those jerks—those big shots—got her.”

I communicated with Taozi in my mind. “Stop meddling. She’s a world-famous superstar; she certainly won't be interested in me. Hurry up and tell me what’s really going on.”

“She’s in deep trouble. She’s provoked the leaders of the underworlds of Mingdao and Japan. On top of that, she accidentally witnessed a murder in Venice. The world-class Silverwing Assassin organization is desperately searching for this sole eyewitness. And those bodyguards around her probably can't even stand up to an average Silverwing assassin. Her safety really depends on you.”

“Good heavens, how did she manage to offend so many people? If it was just accidentally witnessing a murder, that would be understandable—it happens a lot in movies. But she’s a big star; what connection could she possibly have with the Mingdao and Japanese underworld bosses?”

Taozi explained, “The hidden boss behind Liu Xue’s Fenghua Xueyue Company was originally the biggest underworld figure in Hong Kong. However, his power has recently diminished significantly, forcing him to sell off his subsidiary companies to the Japanese Yakuza. The Yakuza is not just a mere gang as depicted in some films and novels; they are active in finance, gambling, drugs, entertainment, and politics. Nearly 100,000 government officials in Japan are connected to the Yakuza, especially certain right-wing elements. The top boss of the Yakuza has coveted Liu Xue for a long time and intended to leverage this situation to force himself upon her. But who knew Liu Xue threatened suicide? Fearing the loss of this cash cow, the Yakuza temporarily backed off from their immediate pursuit. However, Liu Xue believes they won’t drop it, so she needs to be extremely cautious. As for offending the Qinglian Gang of Mingdao, it was because Liu Xue refused to attend a banquet they hosted when she was performing in Mingdao. The Qinglian Gang has made it known that they intend to teach Liu Xue a lesson during this trip to Kyoto.”

I sighed. “It’s really not easy being an entertainer, especially a young, beautiful female one. Since this has fallen to us, let’s help her properly. After all, Japan and Mingdao are currently our top adversaries. Both publicly and privately, we shouldn't let them subject one of our own nationals to violence.”

Taozi replied, “I’ve already secured the intelligence. Boss, you keep her company during the meal. I’ll arrange for the Rat Soldiers to monitor the movements of the Yakuza, the Qinglian Gang, and the Silverwing organization day and night. If necessary, we’ll take them all down at once.”

It was good to know who the enemies were. This Liu Xue actually had some backbone. Not many actresses nowadays haven't been propositioned by directors or managers, but her stance has clearly brought trouble upon herself. A frail woman relying only on those dozen or so ineffectual bodyguards was bound to run into trouble sooner or later.

The banquet was held in the hotel’s eighth-floor hall. Most of Kyoto’s elite were present, and surprisingly, Cheng Susu, Fang Yanmeng, Ouyang Qing, and Xu Jing were among them. These people had been invited earlier but didn't bother to inform me—they were clearly planning to put me in an awkward spot.

But they were clever enough not to expose my identity. Even Xiao He, having been warned beforehand, pretended not to know me. I was seated near Liu Xue, but unexpectedly, right next to Tan Tian! We held deep-seated enmity, yet Tan Tian seemed much more seasoned today.

Even my sunglasses couldn't hide the fact that he recognized me. Tan Tian gave a cryptic half-smile, possessing a strange, almost foolish air of mystery. He asked me, “How is my wife doing lately?”

I took off my sunglasses and casually wiped the dust off them. “Thank you for your concern. She is doing very well.”

Tan Tian seemed unwilling to discuss Yi Xiaorou further. The Yi and Tan families were no longer as intimately close as they once were. Yi Tianfeng had approved his assessment of me and stopped forcing Yi Xiaorou to reconcile with Tan Tian, which caused Tan Tian to lose his previous swagger. He glanced at Liu Xue, who was currently socializing with dignitaries and celebrities at the head table, and said to me with a significant look, “Are you here for her, too? Director Zhao, don't you think you’ve gone too far? Sometimes, people should learn contentment and not wait until death is knocking before they wake up.”

I replied coolly, “I will not know contentment until your Tan family is eradicated. Tell that old man Tan to wash his arms clean and wait for me to come grab him. Don’t let my hands get dirty when the time comes.”

Tan Tian laughed heartily. “Even if you became Minister of Foreign Affairs, you couldn’t dictate terms to our Tan family, Zhao Qian. Who will have the last laugh is not yet determined. Don’t assume you can act recklessly just because you have backing. The country doesn't belong to one person alone.”

It’s true that three days apart warrants a new look. Tan Tian was certainly sharper today than before, but I couldn’t be bothered to waste time on someone like him. If I were to waste energy on him now, I would only make myself look petty and give him a chance to boast to others. I simply gave him a polite, dismissive nod, gave him a look that clearly said, If I wanted to take care of you, it would be effortless, and then deliberately shifted my focus to Liu Xue, ignoring his further insinuations.

After lunch, Liu Xue attended several more press conferences for advertisements and then rushed to shoot several night scenes. By the time she returned to the hotel, it was past one in the morning. I was exhausted, feeling like a wilted vegetable, but Liu Xue was still spirited, discussing the next morning’s attire with her two female assistants. Finally, an auntie whom Liu Xue called Sister Wu, seemingly her manager, persuaded everyone to sleep.

I was staying in the room next to Liu Xue’s. A secret connecting door linked the two rooms. Perhaps Liu Xue wanted me close enough to respond instantly if anything happened. However, having to guard her 24/7 and being tied to her side was another major reason why I didn’t want this assignment—sacrificing the entire forest for just one tree.

Before I could even take off my clothes, the secret door quietly opened. Liu Xue, dressed in a pink silk nightgown, beckoned me over. I had no choice but to enter her room, though I certainly didn't harbor any self-flattering thoughts that she wanted me to hold her while she slept.

Liu Xue sat at the desk in front of the bed, writing something, perhaps a diary. She spoke to me softly. “While there’s still time, I want to talk to you about the current situation. Not long ago, while shooting a photoshoot in Venice, I accidentally stumbled upon a murder. Now I know the perpetrators were from the Silverwing Assassin organization. They are currently searching the world for me, the eyewitness. I need to ask, Mr. Zhao, if you possess the capability to confront them. After all, my personal safety is at stake, so I have to be cautious.”

I answered honestly, “I understand what you mean, Miss Liu, and I am willing to undergo your test. However, there is one thing I don’t quite grasp. The Silverwing Assassin organization is a semi-public killing agency; why would they care if someone witnessed the scene? Perhaps they intend to use the eyewitness to boost publicity for their company's business.”

Liu Xue smiled. Her laugh was sweet; a singer’s voice is naturally exceptional. She sat upright at the desk with great poise. Her pale pink nightgown made her look even more captivating and alluring. “Mr. Zhao, your perspective is quite unique. But this assassin is no ordinary person. If his identity were exposed, it would bring a lot of trouble. Otherwise, the assassin organization wouldn't care about me being an eyewitness. In reality, his cover identity is that of a business tycoon. If his assassin identity were confirmed, his company would be implicated in money laundering for the assassin organization. International police are already monitoring him, but without solid evidence, they can’t convict him. Both sides have discovered there was an eyewitness at the scene, and it won't take long before they trace it to me. That’s why I need your protection.”

I nodded. “Understood. Please give me your test questions, Miss Liu. If I fail, I’ll have to resign immediately and go home to sleep.”

“Can you lift that bed?” Liu Xue thought for a moment, pointing to the luxurious bed in the room.

I hesitated. “Could we perhaps choose a more suitable test? Why would I lift a bed for no reason? It might mess up your bedding.”

Liu Xue put down her pen and walked to the window, facing me. “If we change the task, I might increase the difficulty.”

I nodded. Liu Xue pulled open the window, letting the cold night air rush in. “This is the twelfth floor. Are you confident you can go down from the window and then safely return via the stairs?”

I felt embarrassed to keep picking and choosing. Besides, since she was paying me, she should be assured of my capabilities. I might as well prove the strength of our Red Dragon Company. I grabbed the quilt from the bed and tossed it onto Liu Xue. “Miss Liu, if you don’t mind, I can let you experience the feeling of flying.”

Liu Xue was indeed a bit cold and wrapped the quilt around herself. “You… you aren't tricking me, are you? How can a person fly?”

I leaped out the window, circled once outside, and then jumped back into the bedroom. “Do you believe me now? It’s too cold out there. I think we should change the test again. Since I can fly, I can certainly return safely via the stairs.”

Liu Xue did not agree to my request but tightened the quilt around herself. “No. I’ve never experienced real-life flying. Let me try.”

I said, “Aren’t you afraid I might drop you mid-air, and you’ll be killed? Also, if we are to fly, I’d have to hold you, which might not be appropriate.”

Liu Xue laughed instead. “A man trusted by Miss Fang shouldn't be doubted. Even though you two broke up, I know the reason wasn't a loss of trust on her part. What’s wrong with holding me? Just treat it like filming a movie. I’ve had a scene like this in a historical drama I filmed before, it’s nothing.”

I swept Liu Xue up in my arms and leaped out the window. “Alright, if that’s how it is, let’s go!”

If I missed an opportunity like this, I’d be a fool. Liu Xue’s chest was also very full; I could feel the bouncy mound even through the thick quilt. Recalling the film of hers I had watched last night, this was the chest of a superstar—the feeling was thrilling.

I flew rapidly in a large circle above the city of Kyoto. Fearing she would freeze if we stayed out too long, I quickly brought her back into the room. The moment Liu Xue’s feet touched the ground, she eagerly asked, “How did you do that? Tell me quickly, it’s so magical.”

I pointed to my leather shoes. “This is a high-tech product from our Red Dragon Company—anti-gravity shoes. See this watch on my wrist? It’s actually the control system for these anti-gravity shoes. When in use, a small control handle extends from the watch. The buttons on the handle are used to control ascent, descent, and forward flight.”

Liu Xue asked curiously, “Can I take them off and try them? I’ve never heard of such high-tech gear being available publicly.”

“Of course. This technology needs to remain classified for now. These are men’s leather shoes, so they won't fit you well. Tell me your shoe size later, and I’ll bring you a pair of women’s anti-gravity shoes.”

“That’s wonderful! How much is it? I’ll pay you.” Liu Xue was so excited that one of the buttons on her nightgown popped open, revealing a sliver of her pure white chest.

“Never mind, you don’t need to pay. It’s a gift for you to try. But you must promise absolutely not to let this technology leak outside, or it will be very hard for me to explain to the company.”

Liu Xue replied, “No problem. Since your company has such advanced products, I believe you can guarantee my safety. Besides the Silverwing Assassin organization, the Mingdao Qinglian Gang has also threatened to embarrass me in Kyoto. Furthermore, I’ve infuriated the Japanese Yakuza, who are my parent company’s associates, so they’ll likely try to intimidate me to ensure my future compliance. The situation seems quite complex. With the strength of your Red Dragon, you shouldn’t be afraid of them, right?”

I assured her, “Don’t worry, Miss Liu. Since we’ve accepted your payment, we guarantee your safety. There will absolutely be no mishaps.”

Liu Xue smiled. “It’s a pity your fees are sky-high, or I’d really like to hire you long-term. It’s very late now; you should go back to your room and sleep.”

I was curious about what a celebrity’s diary contained, so as I was about to leave Liu Xue’s room, I glanced at the notebook on her desk. It read: Successfully arrived in Kyoto today. Met Ms. Fang Yanmeng again. She is now the General Manager of Dadi Energy, holding high rank and power, but she is still so good to me. She also introduced me to a few friends: Ms. Cheng Susu of Yuejin Construction Engineering, Ms. Ouyang Qing of Baixing Shopping Group, and Ms. Xu Jing of the world-renowned Taohua Financial Investment Company. I never expected such important figures would listen to my music and watch my films—I’m truly humbled. Compared to them, I am so insignificant…