When Wang He Di leaves the small village he grew up in, to find work in the streets of glamourous and dangerous Shanghai, the first thing that catches his eye is the beautiful Shen Yue, a young woman also trying to make her fortunes in the "Paris of...
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He Di looks over at Yue, getting ready to perform the last song of the night. She glances at him and gives him a dazzling smile. He grins back at her feeling like he is on cloud nine. The duo have been electric tonight and the audience is in great spirits from watching them. Their two hour set finishes at "2 a.m." each night, and He Di is already looking forward to the next show. Playing the piano while Yue sings is the most fun he has had in his entire life. They finish their set and the crowd gives them a standing ovation. Yue holds her hand out to He Di and he stands up to join her, taking a bow. Life has never felt as good as this moment and it's all because of Yue. Together they are magic, he thinks to himself.
The minute they get off the stage, Yue is accosted by admirers waiting in the wings with chocolates, champagne bottles, and flowers upon flowers. He Di had been hoping to talk to her afterwards, but it seems he has missed his chance as she saunters into her dressing room, followed by a few of these suitors. While he is trying to figure out his next step, Xi Ze and his girlfriend Jia, whom He Di met earlier, run up to him, full of excitement and applause.
"Wow He Di! I didn't realize that you were this talented?" Says Xi Ze, admiration in his eyes.
"How did you convince Shen Yue to let you play?" Asks Jia. "She is quite a handful you know. Maybe it was your cute face that persuaded her." She jokes.
He Di blushes at this while Xi Ze pretends to frown at Jia.
"Eh, why are you complimenting other men Baobei?"
"Jealous?" She giggles.
"Yes of course!"
"Well I only have eyes for you Baobei, but He Di is not ugly, it's really just an observation.... Science even?"
"Let's leave the science to the scientists." Laughs Xi Ze.
"I'm going to get you for that!" Jia chuckles, lightly punching him in the chest.
"Is Shen Yue seeing anyone?" Blurts out He Di, interrupting them.
"Oh, don't tell me you have a crush on her?" Asks Jia.
"Yup I think he has a crush on her." Adds Xi Ze.
"She is a beautiful girl, and besides, I already liked her before I met her." Responds He Di.
"What do you mean by that?" Jia queries, confused.
"I saw her entering the silk market yesterday afternoon, and I thought she was such a stunning vision in red. I almost got run over trying to find her in the market, but she disappeared, so I gave up. But the next thing I know, I landed this job, and there she was on the stage while I was sweeping. So now I know that it's my fate to be with her." He says with a naive confidence.
"Aw he's such a romantic, isn't he Baobei?" Squeals Jia.
"Uh not to burst everyone's bubbles, but I don't think you are her type." Remarks Xi Ze.
