**December 11, 2010 - Hong Kong**
**Outside Stanley Prison**
Xiao Guang overheard two police officers discussing the past of Chen Yanzu. He approached them.
"Li Xiaoguang, have I done something wrong?" Officer A inquired.
"Do you happen to know where Chen Yanzu, the star from the 1980s, resides?" Xiao Guang asked.
"What? You don't know?! Chen Yanzu committed suicide over a decade ago! It's a shame what people say!" Officer B responded, visibly upset.
"Yan... Yan Zu is gone! This can't be true! My sister promised to wait for him! I can't comprehend why that scoundrel, Ma Youming, would do something so treacherous!" Xiao Guang exclaimed, filled with shock and anger.
In March 1970, the Peking Opera "The Legend of White Snake," featuring Chen Yanzu and Wang Hao, became an overnight success in Beijing and across major Chinese cities.
Chen Yanzu quickly rose to fame, captivating audiences with his handsome looks and melodious voice, garnering fans from both genders. Among his admirers were Li Keren's children, medical scientists from Hong Kong—Li Xiaoqin and Li Xiaoguang.
After witnessing Chen Yanzu's performance in October 1970, they became devoted fans. Each year, during their visits to Beijing, they made it a point to attend performances of "The Legend of White Snake" and "Farewell My Concubine."
**January 27, 1971 - Beijing**
**The First Day of the Lunar New Year**
**Peking Opera Dormitory**
Inside his room, Yan Zu sat in a daze when Ming Cui rushed in to find him.
"Senior brother! Senior brother! Your adoptive father is here in Beijing to see you!" Ming Cui shouted.
Wiping his tears, Yanzu dressed quickly and stepped into the hall.
**Campus Hall**
"Uncle!" Yanzu cried as he embraced Ahua.
Curious glances from fellow students filled the space.
"I've said it before—this is the Empress Chen Yanzu! He's no different from women. I once saw him bleeding. Master Lin must know something." remarked Student A.
"Master Lin himself might be that way," responded Student B.
Both Ahua and Yanzu overheard the comments.
"Come, let's go to my room and have a drink," Yanzu suggested.
**In Yanzu's Room**
"Wow! So many plush toys! Are they all from your theater fans?" Ah Hua asked.
"Indeed. I have a special flower basket in the cabinet," Yanzu replied.
Opening the cabinet, Yanzu revealed the contents.
"Typically, it's the senior class in the money-making department that receives these first. You, being younger, are lucky!" Ah Hua exclaimed.
The flower basket bore a sign reading, "From your Hong Kong theater fans, siblings Li Xiaoguang and Li Xiaoqin."
"They often come to support me. They traveled from Hong Kong to attend the lectures. Senior Brother Wang Hao mentioned that Hong Kong is a bustling city with plenty of opportunities," Yanzu said with a smile.
"I won't allow you to go to Hong Kong!" Ah Hua suddenly replied, frustration evident in her tone.
"Master, why not? I want to earn money and return to Dongguan to show my parents they were wrong to abandon me!" Yanzu protested, anger rising.
"You're too fragile to handle a big city! Have you forgotten that you're unsuited to be a star? It would only make you the subject of ridicule!" Ah Hua retorted.
"I may lack formal education, but my passion lies in singing and performing! Isn't it natural for me to want to be famous?" Yanzu yelled, tears streaming down his face.
Just then, Yuanhai overheard the commotion outside the door.
"Listen! Teacher Lin and I, along with your parents, only want to protect you! You're the only one truly suffering! If you pursue a career in Hong Kong, the press will swarm you. If they expose your secret, the pressure will be unbearable," Ah Hua replied, concern etched on her face.
Yanzu shoved a toy aside in frustration.
"I won't listen! Are you hiding something from me? Is it about my bleeding? I deserve to know! I'm thirteen now!" Yanzu shouted in anger.
Yuanhai opened the door.
"Yan Zu, you can't speak to your uncle that way! We're doing this for your own good! You must understand!" Yuanhai admonished.
Ignoring the warning, Yanzu pushed past Yuanhai and stormed out of the dormitory.
"Let him go; he'll cool off and return," Ah Hua said.
"Are you okay, Master?" Ming Cui asked anxiously.
"I'm fine," Yuanhai replied.
Yanzu dashed out alone, still sobbing, oblivious to the stares from onlookers. Suddenly, a woman grabbed his hand and pulled him toward a nearby villa.
"Miss, who are you? Why are you pulling me?" Yanzu demanded angrily.
"This is the villa where my brother and I live. Our parents bought it for us as fans," Xiaoqin explained.
"What star are you chasing?" Yanzu asked.
"It's you, Chen Yanzu. My name is Li Xiaoqin, from Hong Kong," Xiaoqin replied.
**-End of Chapter-**