My reaction time was ample to run forward and catch Liu Xue, but the event unfolded unexpectedly. The steel cable didn't snap, sending her plummeting to the ground; instead, she shot upward like a rocket, vanishing from sight in moments. Startled, I leaped high and gave chase. This woman was quick—she knew how to activate her anti-gravity boots to save herself—but perhaps she stomped on the 'accelerator' a bit too hard.
I finally managed to intercept Liu Xue near the Miyun Reservoir on the outskirts. Luckily, the altitude was sufficient, otherwise her high-decibel voice would have attracted every tourist around. Fortunately, given the current climate, few people venture to the reservoir for a cool breeze. I found a secluded spot, deactivated the anti-gravity boots on Liu Xue, and brought her down to the ground.
Liu Xue was so shaken it took her a while to collect herself. To my surprise, the first thing she said was, "That was exhilarating! This is what it feels like to be a fairy." It seems no matter how big a star, deep down she's still just a girl.
I said, "Now you're in trouble. How are you going to explain what just happened? That director must be going crazy by now."
Liu Xue brushed it off carelessly. "No need to explain. Let him worry. I'm in no rush to go back. Who told him to nitpick? These boots are amazing. If it weren't for them, I might have died today. It’s strange, I’m not that heavy either; why did the steel cable snap?"
I recalled the moment. "This might not be as simple as an accident. I'll call someone to investigate."
With that, I dialed Xia Huren, instructing him to secretly look into the reason the steel cable broke. Liu Xue tightened her delicate fairy costume around herself and asked me, "You suspect foul play?"
I nodded. "Very likely. But don't be afraid. Even if you hadn't activated the anti-gravity boots yourself, I would have caught you—I have absolute certainty on that. Carry on with filming as usual, don't worry about this small matter. Put some clothes on; don't catch a cold."
As I spoke, I took off my down jacket and gave it to Liu Xue. She draped it on and said, "Thank you. But my reaction was quite fast, wasn't it? If something like this happens again, I’ll know what to do. It’s just that if I'm not filming historical dramas, I probably can’t wear these boots and the watch. Oh, while those guys aren't around, teach me how to fly again, will you? I can never control it well. I really wish I could soar freely like you did last night."
I glanced at the pale white thigh peeking out from beneath Liu Xue's white skirt. "Aren't you cold? Let's head back and change clothes first."
Liu Xue, however, pointed to her body. "The bulletproof vest you gave me is wonderful; it works better than thermal underwear! Hurry and teach me how to fly! I really can't wait. I don't mind catching a cold; it’ll give me some peace and quiet. As long as I can make it back for the Spring Festival Gala, I’ll be fine."
I suppose this counts as fulfilling a client's request, so I'll teach her. As for holding her while flying and having our skin touch, that's normal; it's not deliberately taking advantage of a major star. Furthermore, teaching flight techniques requires hands-on instruction; otherwise, I fear she won't grasp it fully and might end up plunging into the reservoir, which would be disastrous.
Miyun Reservoir is vast, the water a sheet of white ice, and the dam is very high. Diving and rapid ascents were thrilling. I flew several laps with Liu Xue, explaining the crucial points of controlling the anti-gravity boots under various conditions. Liu Xue gently slipped out of my hand, the device buzzed softly, and she shot straight up. She let out a loud cry in the air, joyous as a caged bird set free.
I didn't interrupt Liu Xue's happy mood. The happiest people in this world should truly be ordinary folk. The higher one's position in government, the more worries one accumulates; the more attention a public figure draws, the lower their degree of freedom. Few people can be like me, both holding office and maintaining freedom. However, as my official position grows, that freedom will likely drift further away.
Liu Xue returned to me only when she was tired of flying. "Zhao Qian, let's find somewhere to eat. Today I've decided to take a break—no filming at all. Will you take me around various places in the capital city?"
"Miss Liu is my boss now; of course, I'll follow your orders. I'll take you to change first." Xia Huren had already arranged for a Feilong car, waiting on the dam. I flew with Liu Xue straight toward it.
The wind whistled past our ears as Liu Xue shouted from behind me, "Zhao Qian, let's just call each other by our names. Stop calling me 'Miss' from now on."
I opened the rear door, but Liu Xue climbed into the passenger seat herself. As I started the car, I suggested, "Let's go to a mall and buy a few outfits. If we return to the hotel, they might discover you, and then your goal of resting won't be achieved."
Liu Xue countered, "I don't think a mall is a good idea either; too many people recognize me. Do you have a home in the capital? Let’s go to your place. Even if your mother's clothes don't fit me, yours will do. I like wearing boys' clothes."
I didn't object; I was even a little pleased. My wives wanted me to bring Liu Xue home—wasn't this fulfilling their wishes? And she suggested it herself! Haha, mission accomplished.
On the road, Liu Xue was terrified by the speed of the Feilong car. "Zhao Qian, this car is so strange. I feel like we’re flying instead of driving on the road."
Since the Feilong car wasn't a secret, and letting the client know some of its capabilities would make her feel safer about her own security, I explained the characteristics of the Feilong car. After listening, Liu Xue highly praised it. "I never realized Hong Long's technology was so advanced. As a Chinese person, I really wish they were a unit of our national army. Too many foreigners look down on us Chinese in this world. Though they don't call us the 'sick men of East Asia' anymore, the contempt in their eyes is infuriating! It's a pity I'm just a girl; otherwise, I’d really want to join the army and bring honor to the Chinese people."
I began, "Miss Liu, for you to think that way…"
"I just said, call me Liu Xue. Do you not consider me a friend?" Liu Xue interrupted, sounding slightly displeased.
"I apologize, Liu Xue. Your fans would be thrilled to know you feel that way. You are a good star, unlike some celebrities who don't even know about the Nanjing Massacre, spend all day obsessing over Japan and Korea, and even clamor for independence for Ming Dao! One day, I’ll make them pay!"
Liu Xue agreed, "Yes, they deserve a lesson. Zhao Qian, let me sing you a song."
Saying that, Liu Xue started singing regardless of my consent. As a former singer, her rendition of "I Am Chinese" filled me with burning patriotic fervor, making me instantly want to command the Triphibian Army to reclaim the rivers and mountains of China, to show the former imperial powers what Chinese people are like today! To see if they would dare to form an allied force to carve up my land again, to see if they would dare to burn the Old Summer Palace again!
‘Silence is not weakness, endurance is not apathy; the traditional thought of Confucianism guides our steps: eight years of arduous war proved our resolute nation; until the final moment, we will never speak lightly of battle; when endurance reaches its limit, I will step forward; compatriots suffer and the homeland awaits recovery, I will hold this firmly in mind; no matter where I was born, I am Chinese; no matter where I die, I vow to be the Chinese Soul!’ Liu Xue’s voice grew softer. “No matter where I was born, I am Chinese; no matter where I die, I vow to be the Chinese Soul. Zhao Qian, do you know? When I first debuted, the company arranged performances in Japan, Southeast Asia, and other countries. They wouldn't let me say I was Chinese; instead, they wanted me to say I was from Taiwan or Hong Kong. I refused. I’d rather not be a star than forget I am Chinese. Even if our country is backward, I am proud to be a descendant of the Dragon!”
I felt both awkward and excited. Awkward because the Dragon Girl had told me that over eighty percent of modern human genes were conceived through the intermingling of my essence from six thousand years ago with the ova within her body, especially the genes from the lands of Huaxia, which were purer. I had been avoiding this issue because accepting that I am the ancestor of modern humans was too difficult; perhaps it was better not to mention it. Although, in critical moments, I truly could transform into a dragon—though this so-called dragon is merely the confluence of various species. What excited me was Liu Xue’s patriotism. I had assumed celebrities were indifferent to national affairs, and many famous stars in Great Dragon Country even emigrated after achieving fame, but I never expected a star to be so proud of being Chinese, especially one that my wives admired. I secretly made a resolution: no matter how many people target Liu Xue, I will not let them succeed!