I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

Xiao Chen looked down at the still-warm clay pot in his arms, feeling both amused and exasperated.

He looked up and tried to soothe Avril in a gentle tone.

"Avril, it's not that I'm not coming back."

"I'm going back to China to study, and I'll come back to the US for the movie premiere at the end of the year."

Xiao Chen's voice was very calm and steady, with a soothing quality beyond his years.

However, twelve-year-old Avril wouldn't listen to any reasoning.

In her world, separation is a huge deal.

Especially when she parted ways with the boy she cherished most.

"I won't listen! I won't listen!"

The next second, she did something that shocked everyone.

Avril opened her arms and hugged Xiao Chen, who was a head shorter than her, tightly.

Xiao Chen froze.

The boy was encircled by the girl's slender arms, and a scent of vanilla enveloped him.

Before Xiao Chen could react, he felt a warm, moist touch on his cheek.

Haw!

A crisp sound.

Avril gave him a big kiss on his fair cheek.

Xiao Chen was completely dumbfounded.

My brain seemed to freeze at that moment, going completely blank.

No?

He was forcibly kissed by a twelve-year-old girl?!

Avril loosened her grip, took a step back, and wiped away the tears on her face.

"Chen! I know you'll become the world's biggest star someday!"

"Me too!"

"I will learn to sing, dance, and act!"

"I'll be a big star too!"

"Then, I'll go to the East to find you! I'll definitely catch up with you!"

After saying that, she turned around, pushed through the crowd, and ran away without looking back, leaving only a resolute silhouette.

The area around the security checkpoint was quiet.

Passersby stopped to watch out of curiosity, thinking that the two pretty children were acting in some kind of teen romance movie.

After all, both Avril Lavigne and Xiao Chen are incredibly beautiful.

Xiao Chen, in particular, is a handsome young man.

Xiao Chen touched his cheek where he had been kissed.

He is a seasoned veteran who has spent half his life in the entertainment industry.

He actually got stumped by a little girl?!

Pfft—!

An barely suppressed laugh came from the side.

Xiao Chen turned his head and saw Ye Huimei and Wang Jinhua shrugging their shoulders, their faces flushed from trying not to laugh.

Ye Huimei nudged Wang Jinhua with her elbow and lowered her voice.

"Sister Hua, look at our Chenchen, his face is all red!"

"How innocent!"

Wang Jinhua was overjoyed.

"Wow, that's a rare find."

"I thought this kid was naturally incapable of being shy!"

Xiao Chen's face flushed even more as he listened to their teasing.

He pulled down the brim of his hat to cover his reddened ears, and, feigning composure, handed the casserole to Ye Huimei.

"Mom, take it, don't waste it."

"Let's go! The plane is delayed!"

After saying that, Xiao Chen walked towards the security checkpoint without looking back, his steps even faster than usual.

Ye Huimei and Wang Jinhua exchanged a glance, their smiles deepening.

They carried their luggage and quickly followed, leaving behind a murmur of gossip from the onlookers.

……

The plane landed.

Returning to Beijing after several months' absence, everything was still as familiar as ever.

Xiao Chen once again refused all the interviews and announcements arranged by Wang Jinhua and returned to student life.

Xiao Chen was not prepared to make any rash moves until a suitable opportunity arose.

That afternoon, Xiao Chen had just finished his homework when the phone in the living room rang.

He ran over and answered the phone, and Wang Jinhua's slightly excited voice came through the receiver.

"Chenchen, it's me, Aunt Hua."

Xiao Chen obediently responded.

"What's wrong, Aunt Hua?"

Wang Jinhua's tone sounded very formal.

"Chenchen, there's a domestic film audition, and Aunt Hua wants to ask for your opinion."

"See if you answer it or not."

Xiao Chen leaned back on the sofa, his small body sinking into the soft cushions, and casually picked up an apple and took a bite.

"What movie?"

In the past few years, with the popularity of "The New Legend of Shaolin" and "Shaolin Popeye", countless scripts have come knocking on my door.

However, most of them are poorly made imitations.

Or some commercially terrible movies that try to capitalize on his fame to make quick money.

Xiao Chen had a sharp eye and naturally didn't like any of them, so Wang Jinhua rejected them all.

In his opinion, this time it would probably be about the same.

After all, what good roles can a seven-year-old child get in the domestic film market?

He's just the son of some main character, or simply a cute character used for comedic effect.

Xiao Chen was prepared to refuse.

Wang Jinhua on the other end of the phone guessed his thoughts. Instead of directly revealing the script's content, she paused, her tone somewhat mysterious.

"Chenchen, this film crew... is a bit special."

"The director is Chen Kaige."

Upon hearing this name, Xiao Chen paused in his apple-eating motion.

Chen Kaige?

Chen Kaige of this era is not the same director who made "The Promise" in later generations.

He is at the peak of his talent right now.

Xiao Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he still didn't immediately give in.

"What role?"

Wang Jinhua chuckled on the other end of the phone; she knew this guy wouldn't fall for it.

"The role hasn't been decided yet; we'll find out after the audition."

"However, you'll definitely be interested in the name of this movie."

"Its name is—"

Wang Jinhua deliberately drew out her words, emphasizing each one.

"Farewell My Concubine".

? ? ? ?

Xiao Chen's eyes widened immediately.

These four words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Xiao Chen's mind!

The apple in his hand fell to the ground.

Farewell My Concubine?!

Is it "Farewell My Concubine," the film hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese-language cinema in my previous life, and the only one to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes?

He sat up abruptly from the sofa, his heart pounding wildly.

Countless thoughts flashed through Xiao Chen's mind.

But in any case, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even if you only play a minor role for a few seconds, it's enough to brag about for a lifetime.

Let alone going to an audition!

Xiao Chen took a deep breath and spoke almost impatiently.

"Aunt Hua."

When was this audition?

"Where is the audition location? What roles are available? What preparations do I need to make?"

Wang Jinhua on the other end of the phone was stunned for a moment.

She could sense the huge change in Xiao Chen's attitude, and she was both surprised and delighted.

She knew it; this guy knew his stuff!

"The day after tomorrow afternoon, at the Beijing Film Studio."

"I'll send you the audition roles later. There are several child actor roles available for audition."

Xiao Chen's voice was resolute.

"it is good."

"I'll go."

Xiao Chen would naturally not give up such an opportunity.

If I could get that role...

Xiao Chen's breath hitched; he was completely unable to control his excitement.