Chapter 68

A Night of Cultural Exchange and Purpose

"Master Mei, you've invited too many people here. We don't have a place to entertain them," said Lao Zhao anxiously as he approached Mei Lanfang backstage. His face was lined with worry as he gestured toward the crowded room.

Mei Lanfang looked around and realized the scene was chaotic. The number of guests had far exceeded his expectations. "This…" he murmured, glancing at the crowd.

When performing earlier, the opera house was filled to the brim with spectators. Yet, he hadn't anticipated that his compatriots, who had seemed few amidst the larger audience, would now number over a hundred in such close quarters.

Before Mei Lanfang could respond, Charlie Lee, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Master Mei, is there any trouble?"

"It's not a big deal," Mei Lanfang replied apologetically, glancing at Lao Zhao. "I underestimated the warmth of our compatriots and didn't prepare adequately to host so many."

"Perhaps we can postpone the gathering and meet in smaller groups later?" Lao Zhao suggested. "You'll be performing here for another two weeks. There's no rush."

Hearing about the two-week engagement, Charlie couldn't help but inwardly curse the scalpers who exaggerated the scarcity of tickets. "I'll arrange something," Charlie interjected before further discussion. Turning to his companion, he added, "Lawrence, call Aria and ask if the banquet hall at the Ritz is free tonight."

"Charlie, I'm not your secretary," Lawrence protested, though he complied and made the call.

A moment later, Lawrence returned with good news. "Aria said the banquet hall will be ready in fifteen minutes."

"Perfect timing," Charlie said, checking his pocket watch before turning to Mei Lanfang. "Master Mei, the decision is yours."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Lee," Mei Lanfang said, bowing slightly. "I'll leave it to Mr. Zhao to settle the bill later."

Mei Lanfang's humble demeanor, despite his fame, reflected his chivalrous spirit. On stage, he dazzled in the refined roles of a dan performer, but offstage, he was a gentleman of unwavering principles—someone who, during Japan's invasion of China, would rather face death than compromise his art.

"You're welcome," Charlie replied modestly. "I just have some businesses here in America."

Lawrence, who had been eavesdropping without understanding the Chinese conversation, finally found an interpreter in Zhao Yaozhong, who translated for him. "Yes, don't be modest," Lawrence chimed in. "Charlie is a billionaire, after all."

"A billionaire?" Zhao Yaozhong froze, staring wide-eyed at Charlie. "Are you serious?"

"Money is merely an external object," Charlie said with an awkward smile. "It's just luck."

Mei Lanfang quickly regained his composure and replied with sincerity, "I didn't expect that among our fellow Chinese, someone has achieved so much in America."

In terms of artistic accomplishments, Mei Lanfang was a pioneer, introducing Peking opera to international audiences. Yet, he admired Charlie's success in a foreign land.

Zhao Yaozhong, however, looked despondent. "Compared to you both, I've achieved nothing," he said self-deprecatingly.

"Brother Zhao, don't belittle yourself," Mei Lanfang consoled. "A man with faith can accomplish great things. I heard you're pursuing a doctorate and making strides in American physics. That's no small feat."

Zhao Yaozhong felt a spark reignite within him. Wasn't his journey to America driven by his own steadfast belief in advancing knowledge for the betterment of his homeland?

While they walked to the Ritz Hotel, Charlie turned to Mei Lanfang and asked, "What kind of belief has brought you this far, Master Mei?"

Mei Lanfang smiled knowingly. "Have you heard of the Xianggong Tangzi?"

Charlie shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"Centuries ago, actors were at the lowest social rung. The Xianggong Tangzi served as a sanctuary for training performers and surviving the harsh realities of life. Yet, it was also a place of vanity and strife. As they say, 'Actors are heartless, and the world is unjust.'"

Mei Lanfang's expression was serene as he recounted the hardships and disgrace he had witnessed in those halls. "Thanks to my brother-in-law, cousins, and mentors, I was able to rise above it all," he said.

He paused before continuing, "Before one of my senior brothers was forced to leave the Yunhe Hall, he said something that stayed with me: 'If someone sings well and gains recognition, ensure that performers earn a dignified status. They don't need much, just the right to stand tall.'"

Charlie and Zhao Yaozhong were deeply moved. Mei Lanfang's calm tone belied the profound struggle that had shaped his belief.

"He Ming hasn't dared to forget those words," Mei Lanfang said, his voice steady. "My life's greatest wish and my guiding faith have been to give performers the respect they deserve."

Charlie was overcome with emotion. Mei Lanfang's simple yet powerful conviction resonated deeply, igniting a sense of purpose in everyone around him.

As they approached the Ritz Hotel, Mei Lanfang suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed across the street. Without a word, he strode toward a disheveled vagrant rummaging through a trash can.

Mei Lanfang spoke softly to the man, then handed him a few crisp bills. The tramp, though unable to understand Chinese, recognized the kindness in Mei Lanfang's eyes and responded with heartfelt gratitude.

Through this small act, Mei Lanfang conveyed hope to the downtrodden man, who in turn shed his prejudices and hostility toward the Chinese.

"In this world, it's always the people who suffer the most," Mei Lanfang said quietly as the tramp stood waving goodbye.

When they arrived at the Ritz, the banquet hall was bustling with groups of Chinese compatriots. Curiosity buzzed among the attendees about Charlie, the man behind the swift and generous arrangements.

"Heming is new here and deeply touched by your support," Mei Lanfang began, addressing the crowd. His voice was calm yet commanding, reflecting his artistry.

As the gathering cheered, Charlie remained lost in thought, still recalling Mei Lanfang's interaction with the tramp. His effortless kindness and unshakable character left an indelible mark.

"Lastly, I want to thank Mr. Lee for organizing tonight's event," Mei Lanfang concluded, gesturing toward Charlie with a warm smile.

Snapped out of his reverie, Charlie returned the smile and stepped forward to address the crowd. Whispers rippled through the room as people recognized him.

"Isn't that Charlie Lee? The one in the papers?" someone whispered.

"Yes, the billionaire who owns Aegis Security Group," another replied.

The murmurs grew, but Charlie brushed them aside. "Tonight is about us as a community," he began, his voice steady and sincere.

Mei Lanfang nodded approvingly, watching Charlie handle the spotlight with grace. It wasn't wealth or power that defined him, but his sense of purpose—something they both shared, albeit in different ways.